Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray a 9×9" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If breasts are thick, slice each horizontally to make thinner cutlets (this helps them cook evenly); otherwise leave whole.
• In a shallow dish, combine 3/4 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir to mix.
• Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto both sides so they adhere.
• Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared 9×9" pan without crowding.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the coating is golden and the chicken is mostly cooked through.
• Remove the hot pan from the oven. Spoon 1 cup pasta sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (fully cooked).
• Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then serve over pasta if desired.