Best 7 Lighter Chicken Parmesan With Simple Tomato Sauce Recipes

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Indulge in a lighter version of the classic Chicken Parmesan, guilt-free! This recipe uses healthier ingredients without compromising on flavor. Enjoy a juicy chicken breast coated in a crispy parmesan crust, smothered in a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce, and baked to perfection. The result is a satisfying meal that's lower in calories and fat than traditional Chicken Parmesan, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals or those seeking a healthier alternative.

In addition to the Lighter Chicken Parmesan recipe, the article also provides variations for preparing a lighter version of Chicken Parmesan using different cooking methods. These variations include:

* **Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan:** Discover how to achieve a crispy parmesan crust and tender chicken breast using an air fryer, resulting in a healthier and less oily version of the dish.

* **Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken:** Learn to create a delicious and healthier Parmesan Crusted Chicken baked in the oven, reducing the amount of oil typically used in frying.

* **Grilled Chicken Parmesan:** Enjoy a grilled version of Chicken Parmesan, where the chicken is cooked on a grill or grill pan instead of being fried, resulting in a smoky and flavorful dish.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LIGHT CHICKEN PARMESAN



Light Chicken Parmesan image

Provided by Barbara Bakes LLC

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 cups panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup, plus extra for serving)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
salt and ground black pepper
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon water
Vegetable cooking spray
3 large boneless (skinless chicken breasts sliced horizontally into 6 cutlets)
2 cups quick tomato sauce (warmed (see below))
3 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic (pressed or finely minced)
2 cans (15 ounces crushed tomatoes in rich puree)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 475 degrees. Combine the bread crumbs and oil in a 12-inch skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring often, until golden, about 10 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 teaspoon 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 into 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 vegetable oil spray. Bake until the meat is no longer pink in the center and feels firm when pressed with a finger, about 15 minutes, flipping to the other side after 10 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the sauce onto the center of each cutlet and 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.
  • Quick Tomato Sauce: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt and heat until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in basil. Cover and set aside until needed.

LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMIGIANA



Lighter Chicken Parmigiana image

A nicely seasoned breading coats the tender chicken breasts in this attractive entree. When I have extra time, I make my own herbed tomato sauce instead of using prepared spaghetti sauce. -Rhonda Schiel of Magnolia, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup egg substitute
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1 jar (26 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt. In another bowl, beat egg substitute. Dip chicken in egg substitute, then roll in crumbs. Place in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray., Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 10 minutes. Turn chicken; bake for 10 minutes. Pour spaghetti sauce over chicken; bake for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses; bake 10 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 412 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 88mg cholesterol, Sodium 1420mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMESAN



Lighter Chicken Parmesan image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 16m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

One 24-ounce jar good-quality marinara sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
12 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella

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.

CHICKEN PARMESAN



Chicken Parmesan image

With more than 450 reviews and a five-star rating, Giada De Laurentiis' easy Chicken Parmesan recipe from Everyday Italian on Food Network is a red sauce win.

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Eight 3-ounce chicken cutlets
1 1/2 cups Simple Tomato Sauce, recipe follows, or purchased marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
16 teaspoons grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Two 32-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
4 to 6 fresh basil leaves
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
  • Stir the oil and herbs in a small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Brush both sides of the cutlets with the herb oil. Heat a large heavy oven-proof skillet over high heat. Add the cutlets and cook just until brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Spoon the marinara sauce over and around the cutlets. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the mozzarella over each cutlet, then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the Parmesan over each. Sprinkle the butter pieces atop the cutlets. Bake until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.;
  • In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, basil, and bay leaves and simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove the bay leaves and check for seasoning. If the sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors. Add half the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with the remaining tomato sauce.
  • If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.

TOMATO CHICKEN PARMESAN



Tomato Chicken Parmesan image

A delicious Italian breaded chicken smothered with cheese and tomato-based pasta sauce!

Provided by vero_cn81

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Parmesan Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
7 ounces seasoned bread crumbs
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 ounces pasta sauce
6 slices Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Pour beaten eggs into a shallow dish or bowl. In another shallow dish or bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Dip chicken breasts into beaten egg, then into bread crumb mixture to coat.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add coated chicken and saute for about 8 to 10 minutes each side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  • Pour tomato sauce into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Add chicken, then place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese over each breast, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 513.1 calories, Carbohydrate 31.2 g, Cholesterol 167.6 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 44.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 1249 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

HEALTHY CHICKEN PARMESAN



Healthy Chicken Parmesan image

What makes this Chicken Parmesan healthier than usual? Only one side of the chicken has breading, whole-wheat breadcrumbs sub in for white, and an egg white replaces a whole one.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, torn into pieces
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 large egg white
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (6 to 8 ounces each)
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella (3 ounces)
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, in puree
1 garlic clove, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in upper third. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside. In a food processor, place bread, Parmesan, oil, and a pinch each salt and pepper. Pulse until coarse crumbs form; transfer to a shallow bowl. Place flour in a second shallow bowl; season with salt and pepper. Place egg white in a third shallow bowl, and beat with a fork until frothy.
  • Dip top side of a chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip same side in egg white, letting excess drip off, then in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. (Do not bread other side.) Repeat with remaining chicken and transfer, breaded side up, to prepared baking sheet. Bake until breadcrumbs are crisp and browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with mozzarella. Continue baking until chicken is opaque throughout and cheese is lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, place tomatoes, breaking them up with your fingers. Add garlic; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until sauce has thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve chicken with a generous amount of tomato sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 g, Fat 8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 56 g

CHICKEN WITH GARLIC-TOMATO SAUCE



Chicken with Garlic-Tomato Sauce image

My husband and I made up this recipe as we went along, and we love the way it turned out. It reminds us me something found at Italian restaurants. -Angela Schellenberg of Steinbach, Manitoba

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, halved and thinly sliced
1 cup Italian tomato sauce
3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Hot cooked pasta

Steps:

  • Sprinkle both sides of chicken with pepper. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken on each side in 1 teaspoon oil. Remove and keep warm. , In the same skillet, saute tomatoes and garlic in remaining oil for 1 minute. Add carrots; saute 2-3 minutes longer. Combine the tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste and rosemary; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. , Return chicken to the pan. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until chicken juices run clear and carrots are crisp-tender. Serve with pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 510mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and good quality Parmesan cheese.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This will cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
  • Cook the chicken until it is cooked through. This will ensure that the chicken is safe to eat.
  • Use a good quality marinara sauce. If you have time, you can make your own. Otherwise, there are many good store-bought options available.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is best for this dish.
  • Serve the chicken parmesan immediately after it is cooked. This will ensure that the chicken is hot and crispy.

Conclusion:

Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people of all ages. This lighter version of chicken parmesan is just as delicious as the traditional version, but it is lower in calories and fat. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, this chicken parmesan recipe is sure to please.

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