I love chicken parm, especially when it’s made with fresh mozzarella, which it almost never is in restaurants. Of course, at home we can use the real stuff, but it can be pricey. So I tried something new–a cheese spread using ricotta fortified with sharp Cheddar.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts so they are all about 1/2 inch thick using a meat mallet. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge station
- Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Beat eggs
Bowl 3: Mix together breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
Coat each chicken breast in the flour, pressing lightly to remove excess, dip into the beaten eggs, then the breadcrumb mix, doing the same. - Bread Chicken Breasts In a large skillet, over medium, add breaded chicken breasts, using olive oil. Cook 2-3 minutes each side. They will become brown but not be fully cooked. Put the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Layer with Sauce & Cheese: Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese liberally on top.
- Bake: Put in the oven preheated at 15-20 minutes, or until done. That means until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted to a bubbly goodness. It should have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Add some fresh basil leaves over it for desired flavors. Serve over pasta, garlic bread, or side salad.
Health benefits:
High protein content. Chicken is a high source of lean protein, beneficial in constructing and repairing muscles also supporting energy.
Calcium-rich food: An abundance of calcium is required to strengthen bones and teeth; the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese helps provide the same.
Tomato Sauce Benefits: Generally, marinara sauce thus consists of tomatoes, which are rich in many antioxidants like lycopene. Lycopene might exert its effect through the prevention of heart diseases and cancer.
Healthy digestion: For if breadcrumbs used is whole grain, then they are packed with dietary fiber, thus keeping the digestive system healthy as well as maintaining sugar levels in blood.
Health of heart: It adds good fats in diet due to olive oil used here. This application of monounsaturated fats can be taken to assist in reducing LDL cholesterol and providing good cardiovascular health.
This is a well-balanced meal; along with inclusions of vegetables or whole grains, all nutrients which make a complete meal-protein, carbs, fats, and different vitamins and minerals-are all included.
It’s fun! This latest version is easier, tastier, and every bite contains crispy chicken and gooey cheese; Enjoy!
Conclusion:
Though the rejuvenated Chicken Parmesan recipe introduces a completely new flavor and convenience into the dish, seemingly, this dish boasts an excellent scope of health benefits if managed wisely. This is because the use of lean chicken, along with healthy ingredients, like marinara sauce, and proper preparation methods, like baking, turn this dish into a delectable treat that is well-balanced. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and heart-healthy fats while versatile to be a balanced diet meal. Chicken Parmesan with the proper ingredients can be a comforting option for every occasion but still a healthy one.