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[donotprint]I love Chicken Parmesan — L-O-V-E — LOVE
However, I don’t l-o-v-e the calories.
So this recipe — THIS chicken parmesan recipe without the breading and all the oil with ALL (plus some) the flavor.
Healthier Chicken Parmesan FOR THE WIN!
I fought with myself over this picture — I both love it, and feel meh about it…
Flavors burst from this dish.
The chicken, the tomatoes, the pasta, the garlic, the basil and oregano, the hint of heat from the crushed red peppers, the savory, the garlic — oh, did I repeat myself?
Seriously, We will never go back to the traditionally heavy breaded chicken parmesan. Honestly, y’all, I believe that after y’all try this Chicken Parm recipe, you’ll never go back, either.
Let’s talk easy peasy (basic) ingredients:
- garlic
- italian seasoning
- REAL parmesan cheese
- chicken breasts
- Tomatoes with Basil, Oregano and Garlic
- barilla pasta plus spaghetti noodles (only ones we eat)
- olive oil
- possibly crushed red pepper
Chop the garlic and slice some thin-ish slices of parmesan cheese and then butterfly your chicken breasts.
Lay some thinly sliced parmesan slices inside the chicken breasts and then close the chicken breasts over the cheese slices
In a medium skillet, over medium-high heat, drizzle some olive oil and add in some chopped garlic and italian seasoning (I’ll give y’all the amounts in the printable) sizzle slowly until your kitchen smells simply dee-vine and you have to physically stop yourself from scooping it out of the pan with the nearest hunk of bread.
While the garlic and Italian Seasoning sizzle, open up a can of Hunts (because that’s what I use) Garlic, Oregano and Basil Tomatoes and dump it into another skillet over medium high heat with the rest of the garlic (WHAT?! I like garlic)
If you’re like me and you like your sauce to have a slow simmering back burn — add a dash of crushed red pepper to the tomatoes.
Simmer this sauce, stirring occasionally.
Place your parmesan cheese filled chicken breasts in your skillet on top of the tonguegasmic sauteed garlic and italian seasonings and cook until browned on each side (8 minutes-ish depending on your stove/chicken/skillet)
Have your spouse take a picture of you during this time because you need a picture of you cooking
Once the chicken is fully cooked and browned on each side, place the chicken and all the delicious caramelized garlic and drippings and seasonings into the skillet with the tomatoes
Simmer the chicken in the sauce for a while, turn it once or twice to completely cover the breasts in the zesty tomatoes.
I simmer mine for about 15 minutes. SO good.
While the chicken is slowly simmering and soaking up the tomato-y- basil-y- garlic-y- zingy tonguegasmic goodness — it’s time for the pasta
We use Barilla Pasta Plus — it’s all we’ve used for the past 3 years. Use as much as you think your family needs. Cook according to box directions.
Drain the pasta and then top each serving of pasta with tomatoes and chicken — grate real parmesan over each serving and De-VOUR.
Nathan says this is even better the second day
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[print_link]
Recipe: Healthier Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 wedge parmesan cheese
- Italian Seasoning
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can Hunts (my brand) Tomatoes with Garlic, Basil and Oregano
- dash of red pepper (if you like a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Slice about 10 thin slices off the parmesan cheese wedge
- butterfly the chicken breasts
- Place 2 slices of parmesan cheese inside each butterflied breast and close over the cheese
- chop the garlic
- Drizzle olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat
- add in garlic and about a Tbsp of italian seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic starts to soften and you want to sop it all up with some yummy fresh bread
- Place the chicken breasts in this pan and then sprinkle the top of each chicken breast with italian seasoning, cook until browned on each side and cooked thoroughly (roughly – 8 minutes per side)
- While the chicken is cooking pour the tomatoes into a medium skillet over medium heat and add in the rest of the garlic and a dash of crushed red pepper (if you enjoy the slow simmering heat), stir occasionally while your kitchen starts to smell like bit of garlicky-savory-heaven
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, add it to the tomato mixture
- While the Chicken is simmering in the tomatoes, it’s time to cook the pasta
- Cook as many servings as you need, according to box
- I HIGHLY recommend Barilla Pasta Plus #notsponsored
- Serve the chicken and tomatoes over pasta, topped with real grated parmesan
- you’re welcome
Quick Notes
*** super tonguegasmic with garlic bread, although that usually tosses the healthy bit out the window *** Nathan thinks this is almost better the next day
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I’m so glad y’all are here!
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Christina - This looks really good, I’m making an ingredient list now. Thanks for making a healthier version…yum.
Rachel - You’re so welcome! It is SOO good!
Robyn | Add a Pinch - This looks delicious, Rachel. I think it would balance out nicely with my banana pudding
Hope you have a blast at Blissdom this week. I hate I’m going to miss it and your sessions!
Robyn | Add a Pinch´s most recent brilliance ..Southern Banana Pudding
Rachel - Banana Pudding! YUM!!! I need to try your recipe!
I am so sad that you won’t be there!!!!
Someday!
Craig - I seriously just get both ravenously hungry – and satisfyingly full – only by looking at the pictures you do Rachel.
The spilled seasoning was artistic – perfect.
I am getting ever closer to actually trying something more complicated than hot chocolate.
Almost there…
Craig´s most recent brilliance ..Love spins true around the only true axis
Julie {Angry Julie Monday} - YUM!!!!
Julie {Angry Julie Monday}´s most recent brilliance ..Project 365- Week 2
Rachel - Craig, you can do it! This recipe is SO simple!!!! and delicious!
You should try it.
Rachel - Yep
Karly - This looks so yummy! I love the cheese hidden inside the chicken!
Karly´s most recent brilliance ..Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares
Rachel - Karly, the cheese inside the chicken is so lovely! It’s not overwhelming and sticky, like traditional chicken parm — it’s just — perfect.
Tweets that mention Healthier Chicken Parmesan — A Southern Fairytale -- Topsy.com - [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by SthrnFairytale, SthrnFairytale, SthrnFairytale and others. SthrnFairytale said: Alright y'all — the HEALTHIER chicken parmesan recipe is live! http://bit.ly/hwd6zV [...]
Leah @bookieboo - Dooood, food porn I can get behind
Katerina - I love Parmesan, the real one. The taste is unbeatable. Your dish is the epitome of comfort meal.
Katerina´s most recent brilliance ..Beef Stew with Pumpkin Gnocchi
e--Mom - Super cute apron, Rachel! Thanks for hosting.
April@The 21st Century Housewife - Oh my your Chicken Parmesan looks good – I love your new healthy version! Thank you so much for hosting Mouthwatering Mondays, Rachel. By the way, I’m co-hosting a new foodie blog hop on Fridays called Feed Me Tweet Me Follow Me Home. I’d love it if you could join in this coming Friday
Katie @ This Chick Cooks - This looks delicious!
Melanie - Sounds great. I started counting calories on Jan. 1 and lasted until the 8th:( I am back on the wagon again. I need to lose 5 or 6 good lbs.
Melanie´s most recent brilliance ..My Happy Wall
D'Anna - Looks so yummy! I can’t wait to try it!
TidyMom - YUM!!! and I LOVE the picture of you cooking! ♥
TidyMom´s most recent brilliance ..Skinny Caramel Macchiato Lattes and Weight Watchers iPad app
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles - You got me at the cheese! That parmesan looks delicious!!
Brenda @ a farmgirl’s dabbles´s most recent brilliance ..Annmarie’s Hot Chocolate
Chicken Riddle Soup Recipe | Hoosier Homemade - [...] I’m linking to…Menu Plan Monday, Mouthwatering Mondays [...]
Annmarie’s Hot Chocolate - [...] up with A Southern Fairytale‘s “Mouthwatering Mondays”. Please check it out right here! Cancel [...]
Liz@HoosierHomemade - What a great recipe! Love the picture of the spaghetti and you are just adorable!
Thanks so much for hosting Rachel!
~Liz
Liz@HoosierHomemade´s most recent brilliance ..Chicken Riddle Soup and Our Menu Plan
Cheeseburger Macaroni - [...] that easy.Submitted to A Southern Fairy Tale’s Mouthwatering Monday – A Healthier Chicken Parmesan. Tagged as: Beginner, Easy Recipe, Pasta, Recipe /**/ Cancel [...]
lani - Really looks healty and delicious! Happy Week ahead!
lani´s most recent brilliance ..Cream Cheese Triple Chocolate Brownies
Allison @ Alli 'n Son - I’m so in love with this recipe. It just may end up in my meal plan for next week.
Allison @ Alli ‘n Son´s most recent brilliance ..Spicy Black Bean Soup
Maria - Love the lightened up version! Nice work!
Kristen - That looks amazing. I love the idea of putting the parmesan right into the chicken.
I am sorry about adding two links. I was linking to a couple sites at the same time and the linky thing freaked out one me.
Kristen´s most recent brilliance ..Your Recipe- My Kitchen- Hot Chocolate Cake
Paula - I love chicken parm too! I think mostly because of the breaded coating but your healthier option here makes me think that I make a change! You are so cute!
Paula´s most recent brilliance ..Hottest Ticket In Town Cookies!
Emily - Rachel, this looks YUMMY!!!!!!! I can’t wait to try it and I love your photos!!!! You have such a wonderful eye and make the whole process so enticing!
jen - that looks so delicious, I will be making this!!! because I LOVES chicken parm!
jen´s most recent brilliance ..Manifesting dreams…
mel - wow, this looks so good! I’m definately making it this week. thanks.
mel´s most recent brilliance ..Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do
Tara R. - And I have all these ingredients… it’s a sign. Thanks for another great recipe.
Tara R.´s most recent brilliance ..Snow-free state
Bethany - YUUUM! That looks so good! I have a great, healthy baked version that will make you *think* it has been fried:
http://thebigredpot.blogspot.com/2010/05/parmesan-chicken.html#
Bethany´s most recent brilliance ..Menu Inspiration Monday- Baked Cabbage
erin margolin - Okay Rachel, I’m totally stupid.
How do I close the chicken breasts over the cheese? Use a toothpick? I am dumb & not so good in the kitchen….
This sounds mouth watering and I can’t wait to try it!
p.s. what is on your shirt in the photo of you cooking? it looks like a sorority jersey, but I apologize if that is wrong…lol. I am a dork!
p.p.s. I am vegetarian, but these pics (your pics are great, why are you all “meh” about it?!!?) are making me drool. omg.
@erinlynn76
can’t wait to meet you next week! yay!
erin margolin´s most recent brilliance ..Being a Woman- Being a Mom
Rachel - Erin,
SO not a stupid question
Basically, you just close the chicken breast 
It’s been butterflied so it’s laying open.. place the cheese on one side and then close the other side over it 
You can absolutely use toothpicks, if you need to.
My shirt says MOM and the O is a pawprint — our schools are the Wildcats —
You’re not a dork at all! I lots of sorority shirts, they’re all packed away for the most part, though 
MWAH! CAn’t wait to meet you, too!
Lisa - This looks sooo… good! I say “looks so good,” because your photos are wonderfully done. Will be putting this recipe on our menu to try for sure! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for all the great recipe ideas! Yum.
Lisa´s most recent brilliance ..Muffin Mondays – Banana Oatmeal Muffins
grace - That sounds fantastic and making it healthy is all the better thanks.
grace´s most recent brilliance ..Whats For Dinner Orange Teriyaki Beef With Noodles
Andrea @ Savings Lifestyle - I’m drooling – no joke! Your site needs a visible disclaimer or something girl. Not the FTC kind, the MWE kind (me wanna eat!). I’ve added it to my recipe box!
Andrea @ Savings Lifestyle´s most recent brilliance ..Meijer Deals- Money Maker on McCormick Spices
Ott, A - thanks for hosting. this is my first time linking up and I’m glad I can show off my duck dumplin’ soup. I have a monthly linky party on my blog called Ott, A’s Iron chef Challenge. each month has a themed ingredient, sponsor, guest judge and fabulous prize for the winning recipe/post. This months ingredient is duck. Hope you can stop by and check it out!!!
Ott, A´s most recent brilliance ..Ott- As Duck Dumplin Soup
Kim B. - Can’t wait to try this! Looks soooo good! BTW…LOVE your green cabinets, I painted my cabinets in my prior kitchen green & LOVED them
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Crystal @ Mrs Happy Homemaker - I am definitely trying this one. It look SO good!!
Crystal @ Mrs Happy Homemaker´s most recent brilliance ..Crockpot Apple Butter
alex@amoderatelife - Hi Rachel! I know it seems silly, but I am a bit nervous to link up biscuits on a sourthern girl’s website! LOL mine are made with whole wheat and lard and butter and tasted simply delicious! All the best! Alex
alex@amoderatelife´s most recent brilliance ..Hearth and Soul Hop-Volume 31!
Robin @ Set Your Heart To Seek God - Your Chicken Parmesan looks so delicious! I printed it off and plan on trying it sometime soon.
Thanks for sharing and offering the link-up. I printed a couple of the other recipes off too.
Amy - My first time joining the linky party here!
Hi everyone!
I’m having the very first GIVEAWAY on my blog. Please stop by and submit an entry. Best of luck!
http://utry.it/2011/01/happy-birthday-to-meand-very-first.html
Amy´s most recent brilliance ..Happy Birthday to me…and the very first GiveawayS!
Amy - My first time joining this linky party!
I’m so glad I’ve found your blog.
I’m having the very first GIVEAWAY on my blog. Please stop by to submit an entry. Best of luck!
http://utry.it/2011/01/happy-birthday-to-meand-very-first.html
Amy´s most recent brilliance ..Happy Birthday to me…and the very first GiveawayS!
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Queen of the House - I am DEFINITELY making this one!!!!!!!!!
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Alisa - we just had chicken parm a few days ago but this makes me want to do them again. That looks so darn good!
Alisa´s most recent brilliance ..10 Tips For Great Recipe Writing
Saturday Stumbles: January 22, 2011 | OAMC from Once A Month Mom - [...] Healthier Chicken Parmesan from A Southern Fairytale – I love my own Chicken Parmigiana so swaying me to a new recipe has to take A LOT. But even I have to admit that when you are looking for a healthy alternative this recipe looks super yummy. [...]
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erica - This recipe sounds delicious and it seems so simple to make. I have not made this before but I will instead of plain spaghetti and meatballs. Thanks for the recipe. May God bless you.