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Eggplant and Chicken Parmigiana

serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS

For the eggplant parm:

1 large eggplant, sliced lengthwise 1/4" thick
kosher salt

1/4 cup chopped basil and parsley

1 cup shredded mozzarella (or 4 oz thinly sliced buffalo mozzarella)
extra basil for garnish

For the chicken parm:

1 1/2 lbs chicken cutlets (12-16 pieces)
kosher salt and ground pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella
chopped parsley for garnish

For the breading station:

1 cup flour
3 eggs beaten with 1 tsp of water
2 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving

For frying and assembly: 

grapeseed or canola oil for frying

4 cups marinara, heated

METHOD:
1. Season eggplant with salt and place in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Top with another layer of paper towels and eggplant. Repeat as needed. Top with paper towel and another baking sheet, weighing it down with a heavy pot. Let eggplant sit for 45-60 minutes to release its liquid.

2. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

3. Prepare 3 large shallow bowls for the breading station:
    - flour   
    - beaten eggs, water
    - panko, garlic, oregano, parmesan
     
4. Coat eggplant in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture and then panko mixture. Set aside on a plate.

5. In a wide deep pan over medium high heat, add 1/4 inch oil. When pan is hot, but not smoking add eggplant. Careful not to crowd the pan and work in batches. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper lined plate to drain. Press immediately with more paper towel to absorb extra oil.

6. Combine basil, parsley and 1 cup of mozzarella, set aside. In a small square baking dish, add 1/2 cup of marinara, place 1 layer of eggplant (you may have to cut eggplant to fit) and top with 1/3 cup of cheese mixture. Repeat layers like a lasagne. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until eggplant is custardy.

7. While eggplant is baking, make the chicken parm. Season chicken and coat each piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture and then panko mixture. Set aside on a plate.

8. Wipe clean any eggplant residue from the frying pan. Heat another 1/4" oil over medium high heat. When pan is hot, but not smoking add chicken. Careful not to crowd the pan and work in batches. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper lined plate to drain.

9. Once the eggplant is done baking, remove from oven and let rest 20-30 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil and extra parmesan.

10. In a large baking dish, add remaining marinara sauce and place chicken on top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over chicken and bake for 10-12 minutes until melty.

11. Garnish with parsley and serve with additional parmesan on the side.