Easy Weeknight Baked Chicken Parmesan

Created by Angie on February 10, 2016

2 PERDUE® PERFECT PORTIONS® Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
2 cups cooked orzo (or your favorite pasta)
1/2 cup water
1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
dash of salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves fresh garlic minced
1 can (about 14 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil (I used garlic infused olive oil)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
SIDE NOTE!!! If the chicken breasts are already thin you don't need to cut them in half. I like to cut the thicker pieces in half long wise to get more servings and to reduce cook time. Chicken should ALWAYS reach 165 degrees F before serving! Oven temperatures may vary, so please check your chicken before serving.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 2 cups of orzo pasta (or your favorite pasta) until done. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, preheat oven to 450F.
Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breast in half lengthwise.
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Brush each half of chicken breast with the olive oil and dip into breadcrumbs mixture. Pile some of the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken and press down. Flip and do the same.
Gently tap away excess and lay chicken on a baking sheet. (Line the baking sheet with foil or grease with olive oil to prevent sticking)
Continue until all of the chicken has been coated in olive oil and the breadcrumb mixture.
Lay all the 4 pieces of chicken onto the baking sheet and place into a preheat oven.
Bake at 450F. for 15 minutes.
In a small sauce pan, combine the tomatoes, garlic, water, sugar, salt and Italian seasoning. Stir and let simmer on low while the chicken bakes.
After 15 minutes, flip the chicken and bake for another 10 minutes.
Pull the chicken out and top with some of the tomato sauce. Sprinkle on about 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese and return to the oven.
Turn on the broiler and let the chicken sit under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Remove from oven and serve over cooked orzo or your favorite pasta.

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