chicken parmesan salutare

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1½ cups tomato sauce (preferably homemade)

1½ cups grated part-skim mozzarella

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F

Arrange a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken evenly until it is 1/4-inch thick. Remove the plastic wrap and repeat. Season each side of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3 minutes, turning the chicken breasts halfway through. (The chicken breasts can be prepared several hours ahead of time, cool, completely, cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before proceeding) 

Spread a little tomato sauce in the bottom of a Pyrex baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts in an even layer. Top with the remaining tomato sauce. Sprinkle with the grated mozzarella and Parmesan. Place uncovered in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serves 4