Best 2 Lighter Chicken Parmesan Recipes
**Introducing a Twist on the Classic: Lighter Chicken Parmesan Recipes for Health-Conscious Foodies**
Chicken parmesan, a beloved Italian-American dish, is known for its crispy chicken cutlets smothered in melted cheese and flavorful tomato sauce. However, this classic dish can often be heavy and high in calories. For those seeking a healthier version without compromising on taste, this article presents a collection of lighter chicken parmesan recipes that offer a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition.
These recipes feature simple yet effective techniques to lighten up the dish without sacrificing any of its signature flavors. From using leaner cuts of chicken and whole-wheat bread crumbs to creating a homemade tomato sauce with fresh ingredients, these recipes offer healthier alternatives to traditional chicken parmesan. Additionally, they provide tips for reducing the amount of cheese used while still achieving a satisfying cheesy experience.
With step-by-step instructions and helpful cooking tips, these recipes cater to home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, you'll find easy-to-follow instructions and variations to customize the dish to your liking.
So, get ready to indulge in a guilt-free version of chicken parmesan that combines the comforting flavors of the classic dish with a healthier approach. These recipes will surely satisfy your cravings without weighing you down.
LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMESAN
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 16m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the broiler to medium. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Combine the marinara sauce and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, half the parsley and some salt and pepper. Put the beaten egg whites in a separate shallow dish. Coat the chicken tenders in the egg whites first, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
- Heat the oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken, scatter the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan evenly over top and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2 minutes.
- Drain the pasta. Serve with the chicken and garnish with the remaining parsley.
LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMESAN WITH SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE
Such a delicious chicken dish!! If you are tight on time, you can substitute 2 cups of your favorite plain tomato sauce for the simple tomato sauce. Two cups of fresh bread crumbs can be substituted for the panko (they will shrink as they toast). Because these cutlets are breaded, one cutlet per person is plenty - but try to buy the largest chicken breasts you can to ensure good size portions.
Provided by Chef mariajane
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 475°F.
- Combine the bread crumbs and oil in a 12-inch skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring often, until golden, about 20 minutes. Spread the bread crumbs in a shallow dish and cool slightly; when cool, stir in the parmesan.
- In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoons pepper together. In a third shallow dish, whisk the egg whites and water together.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top and spray the rack with vegetable oil spray. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the cutlets in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the egg whites, and finally coat with the bread crumbs. Press on the bread crumbs to make sure they adhere. Lay the chicken on the wire rack.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with the vegetable oil spray. Bake until the meat is no longer pink in the center and feel firm when pressed with a finger, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the sauce onto the center of each cutlet; top the sauce with 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella. Return the chicken to the oven and continue to bake until the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the basil and serve, passing the remaining sauce and parmesan separately.
- FOR SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE: Pulse the tomatoes in a food processor until mostly smooth, about ten one second pulses; set aside.
- Cook the garlic, tomato paste, oil and pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the tomato paste begins to brown, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the puréed tomatoes and cook until the sauce is thickened and measures 2 cups, about 20 minutes.
- Off the heat, stir in the basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside until needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 282.8, Fat 10, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 53.1, Sodium 766, Carbohydrate 25, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 8.1, Protein 24
Tips:
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Bake the chicken parmesan in a single layer so that it cooks evenly.
- Let the chicken parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving so that the juices redistribute.
Conclusion:
This lighter chicken parmesan is a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional dish. It is made with simple ingredients and is easy to prepare. The chicken is juicy and tender, the sauce is flavorful and tangy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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