Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, yet healthy and relatively quick to make? Then look no further! This Grilled Chicken Parmigiana recipe offers a lighter, summery twist on the classic comfort food, combining the juicy char of grilled chicken with the rich, cheesy goodness of parmesan. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor, making it an ideal quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip into the egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, making sure it's evenly coated.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill or pan-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the grilled chicken breasts in the dish. Top each chicken breast with a generous layer of marinara sauce, followed by mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Parmigiana:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before breading.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when grilling or pan-frying the chicken; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can broil the chicken parmigiana for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as roasted peppers or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Parmigiana: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
- Lightened-Up Version: Use part-skim mozzarella cheese and reduce the amount of olive oil.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This recipe showcases delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. It's a great addition to your repertoire of best recipes for satisfying and healthy meals. Enjoy!