Quick Chicken Parmesan for Two

Preparation

1. 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 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Combine breadcrumbs and 1/2 tablespoon oil in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler to high.
3. 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.
4. 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 and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 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.
5. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of 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).

Tips & Notes

• To make your own dry breadcrumbs, trim crusts from whole-wheat bread. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F until dry, about 10 to 15 minutes. One slice of bread makes about 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs. For store-bought coarse dry breadcrumbs we like Ian’s brand, labeled “Panko breadcrumbs.” Find them at well-stocked supermarkets.

Nutrition