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1
Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets.
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2
Put between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or heavy skillet until 1/4 inch thick.
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3
Cut any hard crusts off the bread with a serrated knife, then cut the bread into cubes.
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4
Add the bread cubes to a food processor with the motor running, a few pieces at a time, and process to make coarse crumbs (you will have about 1 1/4 cups crumbs).
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5
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
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6
Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes.
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7
Add 2 tablespoons parmesan and cook, stirring, until melted, about 1 more minute.
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8
Transfer to a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons basil; set aside.
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9
Preheat the broiler.
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10
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
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11
Sprinkle the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; add to the skillet (in batches, if necessary) and cook until golden and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
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12
Transfer to a plate.
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13
Add the tomato puree, then rinse out the can with 1 cup water and add to the skillet.
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14
Add the garlic, red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon parmesan; reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
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15
Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup basil and season with salt and pepper.
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16
Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce.
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17
Top with the remaining 1 tablespoon parmesan and all but a few tablespoons of the toasted breadcrumb mixture.
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18
Sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining breadcrumbs.
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19
Broil until the cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.
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20
Per serving: Calories 329; Fat 14 g (Saturated 5 g); Cholesterol 59 mg; Sodium 717 mg; Carbohydrate 24 g; Fiber 2 g; Protein 26 g
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21
Photograph by Con Poulos
