Craving a mouthwatering Italian classic without the heavy calories? Get ready to fall in love with this Healthier Skillet Chicken Parmesan that proves you don't have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition! This game-changing recipe transforms the traditional comfort food into a lighter, more nutritious meal that will have your taste buds dancing and your body thanking you. With a perfect crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and melted cheese, this dish is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. You can add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and enhance flavor, if desired.
- While the skillet is heating, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will help to infuse flavor into the chicken.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Carefully flip the chicken breasts over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will create a delicious topping.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce, covering the chicken completely.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture on top of the cheese for added crunch and flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve the healthier skillet chicken parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired, alongside a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Breadcrumb Hack: Toast your whole wheat breadcrumbs slightly before mixing with Parmesan for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Skillet Selection: Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for even heating and easy cleanup.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Cover the skillet with a lid to create steam, helping the cheese melt evenly and quickly.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick, or fresh chopped basil for extra freshness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the seasoned chicken and breadcrumb mixture in advance to speed up weeknight cooking.
- Portion Control: Use thin-cut chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and reduce overall calorie content.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
