Hi friend, it’s recipe redux time and the theme is “Back to the Dinner Table”. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday/vacation season, August is the time many families get ‘back to routine.’ Show us your favorite recipe to help families get ‘back to the dinner table.’ It might be a favorite family recipe from your childhood that you’ve ReDuxed; or maybe it’s your family’s current favorite. Let’s all gather back at the table!
Guys, back-to-school time is crazy. Mine have been in for 2 weeks now. However, getting back to the routine, setting alarms, doing homework, chaffering to activities, has taken some getting used to. I, like many of you, are completely exhausted at the end of the day. But it is definitely an important time to sit together at the table as a family so that you can discuss your day and have a moment of togetherness. If you don’t currently sit together as a family, I highly encourage you to do so, read this article.
Wondering how to do it all though? Let me tell you, meal prep is essential. This means over the weekend, or in the evenings before bed, you need to plan a little or even better prep some of your food. Waiting until 5pm and trying to figure out what to feed the family isn’t the most relaxing and often not the healthiest (as this is when most people grab for convenience food). I have to admit I have been in the that boat more often lately and I have committed to meal planning again, because when 4 kids running around me at 4:30pm, I simply can’t think of what to make for dinner.
This is a make-over of one of my favorites, Chicken Parmesan. Although I do eat the real chicken parmesan from time to time, I decided to completely skip the step of breading the chicken. 1) itsaves time 2) it save calories.
To make this dish move along a little quicker, I slice them in half crosswise (or butterfly them). Pounding chicken takes a little more time so the butterflying of the breasts really works great. I don’t like a big fat piece of chicken because you don’t get a good ration of sauce/cheese per bite. Once you have this thinner chicken, just sauté them in some garlic, top with some Italian seasoning. Pour your sauce directly in the pan, top it with cheese and throw the whole pan in the oven to bake while you attend to other matters (or make the salad). This is a really easy meal because you are simply searing the breasts on the skillet then letting them finish up in the oven.
One key part of making this delicious is using a tomato sauce you love- either homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s a good one. I can’t stress that enough guys. The cheapo jarred tomato sauce isn’t going to cut it so spend the extra dollar or two on a good quality sauce! This is the one I use and it’s amazing.
For those picky eater kids, make some pasta….and you’ve got a meal the whole family will like. I wish I would’ve had time to take a picture cutting into the perfectly yummy and tender chicken, but I was called away from my camera to attend to other matters, but trust me that you really won’t miss the breading on this!
This is also a great leftover meal which is important to consider for a busy work/school week. [Tweet “So SImple- Lightened Up Chicken Parmesan via @nutritiouseats #thereciperedux #glutenfree”]
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2¼ lb chicken breasts (~3 breasts), butterflied
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or sub dried basil, parsley and/or oregano)
- 2½ cups good quality marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella
- 3 ounces fresh mozzarella
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken breasts, season with black pepper and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add garlic to the pan. Cook ~4-5 minutes, flip chicken breasts and cook another ~4-5 minutes or until you see a little browning.
- Transfer chicken breasts to a casserole dish (they will still be raw in the center) or leave them in the skillet if it's an oven-safe skillet, pour marinara sauce on top. Add shredded and fresh mozzarella and bake for 25 minutes. While chicken is baking, boil some pasta.
Since marinara sauce has plenty of sodium, it isn't necessary to salt your chicken breasts.
Danielle Omar -- Food Confidence RD says
Chicken Parm is a childhood favorite for me, too! Yours look amazing!
Melanie says
Me too! My mom makes a great one. 🙂 Thanks Danielle
Marisa | Marisa Moore Nutrition says
Your lightened up Chicken Parm looks amazing! And I love that it can all be made in one oven safe skillet. Pinned to make this fall!
Marisa | Marisa Moore Nutrition recently posted..Easy BBQ Salmon & Kale Tacos Recipe
Melanie says
Thank you Marisa! It really is nice not having a ton of dishes to clean up. 🙂
Amanda | The Cinnamon Scrolls says
I love chicken parm, but I usually find it so calorie heavy. Love this lightened up version! Love even more that there are significantly less dishes to do!
Amanda | The Cinnamon Scrolls recently posted..Just Missing the Mark at Mo:Lé
Melanie says
Thanks Amanda! Exactly. Something about the breading just makes it feel so heavy.
Felesha says
Oh yeah!!! I’m in! No guilt comfort food!!
Chris @ SimpleFood365 says
I love chicken parm and a lightened up version is a great option! I love how you did it in the skillet too!
Chris @ SimpleFood365 recently posted..Pork Carnitas
Melanie says
Thanks Chris! Less dishes equals a win for me!
corina says
It looks so tasty. I love how easy and healthy it is.
corina recently posted..Kidney Bean and Mozzarella Stuffed Marrow
Melanie says
It’s super easy! Thanks Corina!
Aggie | Aggie's Kitchen says
Meal prep really is key in keeping things sane and healthy at dinner time. I really try to get parts of the meal cooked up ahead, every little bit helps! This is my family’s kind of dinner. I love it! I have just the skillet to make this in and it will make a lot which is a good thing lately! 🙂
Aggie | Aggie’s Kitchen recently posted..Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork Tostadas
Melanie says
Thanks Aggie. Yes, you know how crazy meal time can be! Hope you guys are doing well!
Michelle says
Chicken parm is one of my absolute favorites! Love seeing a healthier version of a great classic
Melanie says
Me too Michelle. You can definitely eat this one without guilt.
Chrissie (thebusybaker.ca) says
I’ve been looking for a light chicken parm recipe for awhile now! Thanks for posting 🙂
Chrissie (thebusybaker.ca) recently posted..Mexican-Style Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Melanie says
Yay, you’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by Chrissie!
Paige @ Where Latin Meets Lagniappe says
This recipe looks so yummy! I completely agree with you on the meal planning…it’s so essential for my healthy weeknight dinners too 🙂 I love this lighter Chicken Parm…will have to try it soon!!!
Paige @ Where Latin Meets Lagniappe recently posted..Pumpkin Spice Cannoli
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
Just LOOK at that cheese – This looks fabulous Melanie! Pinning!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings recently posted..Seared Flank Steak with Mango Slaw
Melanie says
Thanks Erin! I appreciate it 🙂
Melanie says
This looks amazing! I love chicken Parmesan but for some reason have never made it at home. I think that is all going to change now 🙂
Melanie recently posted..Getting to Know Melanie on our Blogiversary!
Melanie says
Do it!!! 😉 and thanks
Melanie says
I just have to let you know, I LOVE this recipe! I have made it a couple times now, and it is just so good and easy to make!
Melanie recently posted..The Perfect Age to Start Exercising for Cancer Prevention
Melanie says
Aww, yay! Thank you for sharing. You don’t really miss the breading right? xo
athletic avocado says
I love chicken farm! This sounds so good! 🙂
athletic avocado recently posted..Toasted Coconut Pecan Streusel Muffins
Farrah says
This looks so delicious! <3 I adore recipes that can be made in a single skillet, so this is perfect! 😀
Farrah recently posted..Day In The Life: Sports Medicine
Melanie says
Thanks Farrah! Me too 🙂 Fewer dishes always makes me happy
Priya says
healthy and so delicious! I agree that a good tomato sauce can take the dish to another level. I usually prefer using home-made ones but will check this one out too..
Priya recently posted..Quick Eggplant Potato Curry
Melanie says
Right? Cheap tomato sauce would just completely ruin this. 🙂
Molly Kumar says
This looks so good, I just wanna grab some cold bread and dig into this yummy goodness.
Molly Kumar recently posted..Meatless Monday: Healthy Breakfast Parfait – 2 Style (Fruit and Chocolate)
Melanie says
Thanks so much Molly!
Madiha Nawaz says
This dish really looks very delicious and I am hungry now! 😀
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Madiha Nawaz recently posted..Summer Mixed Fruit Jam
Melanie says
Thank you for visiting!
Roy @ Piece of Cerebrum says
Sounds delicious 🙂
Melanie says
Thank you!
Elysia | Haute & Healthy Living says
I’m always up for some chicken parmesan and your version looks absolutely delicious!! YUM!
Elysia | Haute & Healthy Living recently posted..Asian Beef Meatballs with Thai Coconut Sauce
Melanie says
Thank you! It’s definitely a favorite.
Oana @AdoreFoods says
Perfect recipe for next week, when school starts! Chicken parmesan is my daughter’s favorite 🙂 Thanks for sharing it!
Oana @AdoreFoods recently posted..Greek Style Lamb Lettuce Wraps