Chicken Parm is an undeniable Italian classic—it’s hard to beat deep-fried chicken smothered in cheese, topped with piping hot sauce. It’s a much-requested dish in my house, so I make a lightened-up version that requires just one quick trick: using unbreaded, grilled baked or even pan-cooked chicken instead of fried. Give it a shot, you’ll enjoy all the same wonderful flavors but in a better-for-you way. Mangia!

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So easy to make!

Georgia
(5 stars) 1 rating
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For more delicious dinner recipes, try my Chicken Parm Meatballs, Eggplant Parmesan, and Penne alla Vodka!

(5 stars) 1 rating

Grilled Chicken Parm

It’s a much-requested dish in my house, so I make a lightened-up version that requires just one quick trick: using unbreaded, grilled baked or even pan-cooked chicken instead of fried.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 4 boneless, skinless thin-medium chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
  • 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 to 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 4 teaspoons grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Red pepper flakes, oregano, and chopped herbs (optional)
Ingredient Details to Know
*If you follow a gluten-free diet, check ingredients on the seasonings and serve over a bed of gluten-free pasta or however you choose!

Instructions
 

Season your chicken:

  • Mist both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil spray, and then season all sides with a liberal sprinkling of Italian seasoning blend and kosher salt.

To Cook:

  • You can cook the chicken using an outdoor or indoor grill, or bake them in the oven set at 400 for 15 to 20 minutes. If the pieces are thin-to-medium thickness, I typically prefer to cook them in a well-oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side (depending upon how thin they are). I use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature hits 165.
  • Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on top (you can use a casserole pan as well).
  • Place the cooked chicken on the prepared saucy baking sheet, and top each piece with about 2 tablespoons marinara sauce, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon Parmesan, and a pinch of optional oregano, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Place in the oven and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is hot and bubbly (watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!).
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 300Carbohydrates: 13gProtein: 48gTotal Fat: 9g— Unsaturated Fat: 5g— Saturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 0gTotal Sugar: 3g— Natural Sugar: 3g— Added Sugar: 0gCalcium: 247mgIron: 1.6mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!