Chicken Parm.. child's play!

Kids love Chicken Parmesan and for good reason. Fried, smothered in gooey cheese and plated on a bed of pasta; it doesn't leave a lot to gripe about. Here in New Jersey it's a staple at most restaurants be it high end Italian or a simple pizzeria. A chicken Parm sandwich is as popular as a meatball sandwich at the local sub shop and can usually be found right alongside the lasagna at every diner or pub.

This summer I've been on a mission to get my kids into the kitchen. Not just in time for dinner but to get creative and learn some kitchen skills instead of languishing in front of the TV all day long!! Chicken Parm is a great dish to initiate and motivate kids in the kitchen. they'll get to work if they want to eat it.... Raoul did a decent job of it and actually enjoyed it in spite of himself.

Raoul's recipe for Chicken Parm:

2 chicken breasts ( cover with plastic wrap and flatten with a meat mallet)

1 tsp of a mixture of dried parsley, basil, oregano, chili flakes, salt and pepper

4 tbsp flour seasoned with 1/4 tsp salt

1 egg whisked with a pinch of salt

4 tbsp panko ( Japanese bread crumbs)

2 cups cooked pasta

2 cups Marinara sauce

1/2 cup mozzarella

Parmesan cheese to sprinkle

1. Combine the breadcrumbs with the spices. Line up the flour, egg and breadcrumbs in 3 separate bowls. Dust each chicken breast with the flour, dip it in the egg and coat generously with the breadcrumbs.

2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken till golden brown and cooked all the way inside.

3. Combine the pasta with the marinara and place in an oven proof dish. Top with the mozzarella and Parmesan and bake at 375 degrees until the cheese is melted and golden around the edges.