Pepperoni Chicken Italiano With Parmesan Noodles Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set a wire rack over a roasting pan and spray with the nonstick spray.
• Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise, horizontal cut into the side of each chicken breast so you can open it up like a book. Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound out so it has an even thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Lay slices of pepperoni down the middle of each breast, slightly overlapping each piece so there are no gaps. Top with slices of mozzarella. Sprinkle each piece of chicken with 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Starting with one of the edges of the chicken (that isn't covered) roll each chicken breast over the top of the pepperoni and cheese (like a sushi roll) onto itself. Secure by inserting one skewer on each end and one in the middle so it retains its shape.
• Set up a breading station with 3 pans. Pour the flour into one and season with salt and pepper. Crack the eggs into a second pan and season with salt and pepper. Mix well. In the third pan, add the panko and remaining 3/4 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Working with one chicken portion at a time, dip into the seasoned flour, then egg mixture and then panko, gently pressing the panko into the chicken all over, especially taking care to cover the seams and sides.
• Place the breaded chicken portions on the prepared rack seam-side down, ensuring they have space between them so they cook evenly. Spray with nonstick spray, then bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
• Prepare the sauce: Add the celery, carrots and onion to a food processer and process until finely diced. Set aside.
• In a large pot, add the canola oil and thinly sliced pepperoni. Cook over medium heat, gently stirring, until the pepperoni is crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on a paper towel. To the pepperoni fat in the pot, add the tomato paste, garlic and the onion-celery-carrot mixture and saute until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
• Slice the chicken into 1-inch-thick slices and serve with the sauce. Garnish with the crispy pepperoni, basil and more Parmesan.