QUICK CHICKEN PARMESAN FOR TWO RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut chicken breast in half on the diagonal to make 2 roughly equal portions. Place between pieces of plastic wrap and pound with the smooth side of a meat mallet or a heavy saucepan to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle the chicken with 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan and 1/2 tablespoon oil in a small bowl; set aside.
• Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler to high.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
• Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Pour in crushed tomatoes; add Italian seasoning, salt and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Return the pan to medium heat and cook, stirring, until the onion is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Return the chicken and any accumulated juice to the pan. Turn to coat with the sauce.
• Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken, then top with the reserved breadcrumb mixture. Broil until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. (Watch carefully to prevent burning). Serve the chicken with the sauce, sprinkled with basil (or parsley).

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Lightly spray a pie plate or a foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside.
• Combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and salt in a shallow dish (I use a paper plate). Place egg in a separate shallow dish.
• Dip each side of each chicken breast in egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on prepared pan.
• Bake for 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until done.
• Take the chicken out and switch the oven to BROIL.
• Divide the sauce evenly and pour over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella cheese.
• Broil 2 minutes or until the cheese melts.