Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Ingredients
      1/2 c ground mustard
      1/4 c apple juice
      2 cloves minced garlic
      2 tbsp melted butter
      2 c bread crumbes
      3/4 c grated parmesean cheese
      1/4 c ground almonds, walnuts, or cashews
      1/8 tsp pepper
      1 tsp basil
      4 slices provolone cheese
      4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts


Directions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Line a 13 x 9 pan with foil and add  wire rack-this allows the chicken to cook and crisp evenly.
• In a bowl, mix the mustard, apple juice, garlic and melted butter.  In another bowl mix the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, almonds, pepper, and dried basil.
• Coat chicken in the mustard mixture, then roll in the parmesan cheese mixture until thoroughly coated.
• Place the chicken on the wire rack.  Bake for 25 minutes. 
• Place provolone cheese on chicken and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted, and chicken is cooked thoroughly and golden brown.
• Serve with spaghetti and marinara, cesar salad, and garlic bread. 

Pairs well with Pinot Noir or Chianti


***Use marinara to garnish the parmesan chicken.***


Hubby Rating: 9.0!  This is a delicious meal, but my hubby is not a fan of red sauce, which is why this got a less than perfect rating.  If you ask me, this is a fantastic meal!  I am Italian and love Italian food!!!!  I must thank my buddy Jessica Cantelletta for the original recipe!  I have changed it a little over the years, but overall, this delicious meal came straight from her kitchen!