Smothered Chicken Italiano

All the excitement for a rather bland dish.

Ingredients:
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. salt, divided
1/4 t. pepper, divided
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)
2 t. canola oil
1 c. part-skim ricotta cheese
1 c. crushed tomatoes
4 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese

In a small bowl, combine oregano, garlic powder, 1/8 t. salt, 1/8 t. pepper; rub over chicken. In a large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, brown chicken in oil for 3-4 min. on each side.

Transfer to an 11x7x2-inch baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Combine ricotta cheese and remaining salt and pepper; spoon over chicken. Top with tomatoes.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Top with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and chicken juices run clear.

Serves 4.

Personal Observation: Add more spices. Seriously. Next time I'll double the oregano and put half in with the ricotta to add more flavor and/or add Italian flavored stewed tomatoes instead of plain crushed tomatoes.

Gidget's Rating: 3 stars with potential for 4.