Crockpot Marinara and Baked Chicken Parmesan

Yesterday was my daughter's 16th birthday. On birthdays the person celebrating gets to plan the day and what they want to do. My daughter wanted Eggplant Parmesan but I don't know how to make that and we didn't have the money to go out so I made her Chicken Parmesan instead.

For her birthday we just hung out at home and ate....plus we played board games. We have a trip planned to Universal Studios in August after I get paid.

To start my Chicken Parmesan I make marinara in the crockpot.

Crockpot Marinara

2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
diced dry minced onion to taste
3-5 minced garlic cloves
2 whole bay leaves
1 Tbsp dried basil
½ Tbsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp  sugar
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

Combine everything in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the bay leaves and it's ready to serve.

Next comes making the Baked Chicken Parmesan. I use the marinara I made in the crockpot to finish off this dish. I wouldn't call this an authentic recipe for Chicken Parmesan because there is no Parmesan cheese in it! It's just my version, I do serve it with Parmesan cheese on the side.  

 Baked Chicken Parmesan

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs
marinara sauce
 mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine lightly beaten egg and milk in a bowl.Place breadcrumbs on a plate. Dip chicken in egg/milk mixture, then dip in in the breadcrumbs. Then, place breaded chicken breasts in a 13x9 inch glass baking dish. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes.  Pour some marinara sauce down the middle of the chicken and add shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until done. I check it with a meat thermometer to make sure it's done. It should be 165 degrees F.

While the chicken is cooking I make a pot of spaghetti.  I usually stir the noodles into my crockpot so they get covered in the sauce. This will serve 4 generously. 

I have 2 containers of leftover chicken and 4 containers of leftover spaghetti and  marinara that we will be having for lunch.