Snowdown Supper Idea

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

In Durango, CO, winter can be long and cold, but the end of January means Snowdown is right around the corner! This annual winter festival is the ultimate cabin fever reliever, and what better way to celebrate than with a hearty, comforting chicken Parmesan with chunky homemade marinara sauce.

The key to great marinara is the first step: sautéing the onions and garlic before adding anything else. We recommend using a flavored olive oil like citrus habanero or ginger garlic for added complexity. This version creates a chunky, flavorful sauce that's perfect for a satisfying winter meal.

Marinara Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, coarsely diced
  • 1 sweet pepper, coarsely diced
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil (citrus habanero or ginger garlic recommended)
  • 4-6 Roma tomatoes, firm and dark red
  • 1 (16 oz) can tomato paste
  • ½ cup red wine (Cabernet or Claret)
  • 1 tsp smoked salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp Papule Chixen rub

Chicken Parmesan Ingredients

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Papule Chixen rub
  • ¼ container bread crumbs
  • 4-6 slices Provolone cheese

Directions

For the Marinara Sauce:

  1. Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil over medium heat until onions are translucent.
  2. Quarter tomatoes and add to the onion and garlic mixture.
  3. Add diced peppers, stir in tomato paste and wine.
  4. Add smoked salt, sugar, and seasoning rub. Mix well.
  5. Mash down tomatoes when thoroughly cooked.
  6. Reduce heat to simmer for at least 30 minutes.

For the Chicken Parmesan:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Using a mallet, tenderize both sides of each chicken breast.
  3. Apply olive oil and Papule Chixen rub over both sides of breasts and set aside in a bowl.
  4. Pour breadcrumbs over each breast and gently press onto both sides.
  5. Place chicken breasts in a large oiled shallow pan and cover with aluminum foil or lid.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes or until done.
  7. To finish, melt Provolone cheese over each breast.

To Serve

Serve chicken over fettuccini or linguini and top with a ladle of marinara sauce. Pair with a fresh salad and crusty Italian bread for a complete meal perfect for Durango's Snowdown festival!

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