Lighter Chicken Parmesan

Monday morning we woke up to about 8 inches of snow, this is considered a blizzard where whe live! I actually woke up at 3am & saw the snow and was so excited I had trouble going back to sleep! It doesn’t snow all that much here so it’s super exciting! We spent the day sledding and making a snow sculpture (picture at the bottom)!

I knew we needed a comforting dish to warm us up after playing outside, so I thought Chicken Parmesan would be perfect. I’ve never really had Chicken Parmesan before, but Adam is well versed in the realm of Chicken Parm. He said this is one of the best, if not the best Chicken Parm he’s ever had. He loved that it was baked and not greasy, but crunchy. This was savory and comforting and fabulous! Love that it’s lighter in calories by using the egg whites and baking instead of pan frying. I forgot to mix the parmesan in with the breadcrumbs so I just sprinkled it on top which worked great as well. Also, I urge you to use the real shredded parmesan (you can buy it in a jar) and not the shake kind in the can. Makes a big difference I think.

Chicken Parmesan
Source: Annie’s Eats, adapted from Brown Eyed Baker, originally from Cook’s Illustrated, October 2006Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (if you use shredded either pulse in food processor or crumble a bit with your hands)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper
3 large egg whites
1 tbsp. water
vegetable cooking spray
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut into halves (4 pieces total)
2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
about 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley

Directions:
Place your oven rack to the middle position. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Place breadcrumbs in a large skillet and add olive oil. Toast over medium heat until lightly golden brown, stirring often (approximately 10 minutes). Remove from heat and place in a shallow bowl and allow to cool slightly. Once cool, stir in the Parmesan.

In another shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, 1 tbsp. salt (yes a tablespoon), 1/2 tsp. pepper. In third shallow dish whisk together water & egg whites.

Line a baking sheet with alumnium foil and spray cooking spray. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Take each piece of chicken and dredge each piece first in the flour, then the egg white, and lastly the breadcrumbs, making sure chicken is fully covered. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet.

Bake chicken approximately 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon approximately 2 tbsp. marinara sauce over chicken & top with 2 tbsp. mozzarella. Bake chicken for 5 minutes more until cheese is melted. Top with chopped parsley, parmesan & additional marinara. Serve over spagetti noodles.


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Comments

  1. Me and My Pink Mixer says

    Looks delish! Love how you've lightened it up by baking the chicken. Awesome snow sculpture 🙂

  2. oh my gosh, i am printing this out right now and going to make it this next week! thanks!

  3. Nicole Stickler says

    I had to giggle when I saw this blog because I just posted a blog about Chicken Parmesan at almost the exact same time.

  4. Nikki (Pennies on a Platter) says

    Looks yummy! I love using Panko bread crumbs! Enjoy the snow! (Did you sculpture that shark??)

  5. Wow, talk about a winter wonderland. I love recipes that get lightened up and your changes look like they worked perfectly.

  6. Holy smokes, that snow looks gorgeous! I don't think I could manage living in the cold but it looks like you guys had a blast, awesome shark!! Love the chicken parm, definitely always a loved meal in our house!! Stay warm sista!!

  7. omg that snow shark is too cute!! My fiance loooooves chicken parm so I'm glad to see a non friend recipe for it. I will definitely be trying this one.

  8. Look at all that snow. Amazing!!

    I think panko bread crumbs are delicious and really help on the crunchy factor. Your parm looks delicious!

  9. The Tomball Three says

    Uh that shark is awesome!

  10. Macaroni and Cheesecake says

    Thanks everyone!! We had a great time in the snow! Adam's family has a tradition of making snow sculptures so he wanted us to try our hand at it.

  11. I love the fact that this is a healthier version of one of my husband and my favorite meals! Believe it or not, I've never used panko breadcrumbs, but hear I'm missing out! Looking forward to trying this recipe!

    VERY impressive snow sculpture, by the way! 🙂

  12. the rigdons says

    I totally made something like this last night for supper! I love your yummy blog- can't wait to read more!

  13. the snow sculpture is a-freaking-mazing! wow!!!