Best 9 Lighter Chicken Parmesan With Simple Tomato Sauce Recipes

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Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that is known for its crispy, cheesy crust and rich tomato sauce. However, traditional chicken parmesan can be high in calories and fat. This recipe for lighter chicken parmesan with simple tomato sauce uses healthier ingredients and cooking methods to create a dish that is just as delicious as the classic, but without all the guilt. The chicken is baked instead of fried, and the tomato sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. The result is a lighter, healthier chicken parmesan that is still packed with flavor.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

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

LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMESAN WITH SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE



Lighter Chicken Parmesan With Simple Tomato Sauce image

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

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ounce parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
table salt & fresh ground pepper
3 large egg whites
1 tablespoon water
vegetable oil cooking spray
3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat and sliced into cutlets
2 cups tomato sauce, warmed
3 ounces part-skimmed mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 tsp)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaf, minced
table salt & fresh ground pepper

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

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.

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.

COOKING LIGHT MAGAZINE'S CHICKEN PARMESAN



Cooking Light Magazine's Chicken Parmesan image

Make and share this Cooking Light Magazine's Chicken Parmesan recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Amber W.

Categories     Chicken

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
1 3/4 cups spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  • Dip chicken in egg; dredge in crumbs.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned.
  • Pour spaghetti sauce over chicken. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses. Cover and simmer 5 more minutes or until cheese melts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 452.6, Fat 25.9, SaturatedFat 10.5, Cholesterol 167.9, Sodium 672, Carbohydrate 15, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 5.7, Protein 37.9

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

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 RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Lighter Chicken Parmesan Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by á-5015

Number Of Ingredients 22

Tomato Sauce:
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs (whole wheat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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
1 quart tomato puree
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon basil

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 and Italian seasoning. In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon 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. 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. To make the tomato sauce, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Add puree, paste, 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.

A 20-MINUTE CHICKEN PARMESAN



A 20-Minute Chicken Parmesan image

Very fast and easy to make! And delicious! Barilla Napoletana® ready-made tomato sauce and garlic with a little bit of fresh lemon goes along very well with chicken.

Provided by Aleksa

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 egg
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter
1 ¾ cups pasta sauce (such as Barilla Napoletana®)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Press chicken breasts with the palm of your hand to flatten to an even thickness.
  • Beat egg into a shallow bowl; place bread crumbs into a separate shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast into beaten egg and press into bread crumbs to coat.
  • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and fry coated chicken breasts until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Pour pasta sauce over chicken, cover, and bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Sprinkle chicken with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Cover and simmer until cheeses melt, about 5 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 383.3 calories, Carbohydrate 26.1 g, Cholesterol 135.1 mg, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 32.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 929.1 mg, Sugar 10.8 g

Tips:

  • Use thin-sliced chicken breasts: This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness: This will also help them cook evenly.
  • Use a nonstick skillet or grill pan: This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • Cook the chicken over medium heat: This will help prevent it from burning.
  • Top the chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese: Use a good quality marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.
  • Bake the chicken until the cheese is melted and bubbly: This will take about 15 minutes.
  • Serve the chicken with a side of pasta or vegetables: Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.

Conclusion:

Chicken parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With a few simple tips, you can make a lighter version of this classic dish that is just as flavorful and satisfying. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give this lighter chicken parmesan recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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