Quick and Easy Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Finding time to cook dinner every night is tough for a busy mom. But I’ve found a way to make Chicken Parmesan fast without losing flavour. This Quick and Easy Grilled Chicken Parmesan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick, delicious, and won’t take up all your evening.

This Recipe is a real game-changer. It uses chicken tenderloins to cook faster, keeping the meat juicy and tender. It also uses jarred marinara sauce to save time, but it tastes like homemade. The magic happens with crispy panko breadcrumbs and melty Fontina cheese, making every bite amazing.

Why Grilled Chicken Parmesan is Perfect for Weeknights

Grilled chicken parmesan is a lifesaver for quick and healthy weeknight dinners. It’s not only tasty but also has many benefits for busy families.

Quick Cooking Time

Grilled chicken parmesan cooks fast, making it perfect for weeknights. Compared to baking or frying, grilling the chicken saves time. You can have a meal ready in 30 minutes or less.

Healthier Than Traditional Chicken Parmesan

The grilled version is healthier than the deep-fried one. Grilling gives the chicken a crispy exterior without extra fat, allowing its natural flavours to come through.

Delicious Flavor with Minimal Effort

Grilling adds a smoky flavour that pairs well with marinara sauce and cheese. It’s easy to make, making it great for weeknight chicken dinners. These healthy grilled chicken recipes are quick and satisfying.

Try grilled chicken parmesan for a quick, healthy, and tasty dinner. It’s fast, healthy, and flavorful, making it a game-changer for weeknight chicken dinners.

Ingredients for the Best Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Making the perfect Grilled Chicken Parmesan begins with picking the right ingredients. Each part is key, from the juicy chicken to the savoury Parmesan topping. Let’s look at what makes this recipe special.

Core Ingredients

  • 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor

Want to make the dish even better? Try adding these optional ingredients:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • Chopped fresh basil for garnish
  • Garlic powder or Italian seasoning for the breadcrumb mixture

Tips for Choosing Quality Ingredients

To get the best-grilled chicken parmesan, focus on quality ingredients. Pick fresh, plump chicken breasts. For marinara sauce, choose a good jarred one like Rao’s or Victoria’s, or make your own. For the best flavour, use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella cheese.

You’re ready to make delicious Grilled Chicken Parmesan with the right ingredients. It will taste amazing and impress your guests.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

You need the right tools to make a tasty, juicy grilled chicken breast or crispy chicken parmesan recipe. Here’s what you should get:

  • A large nonstick skillet or grill pan for cooking the chicken
  • A baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for assembling the parmesan topping
  • Shallow bowls for the breading station, where you’ll coat the chicken in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs
  • Kitchen shears for easily trimming and shredding the chicken
  • A meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken breasts, ensuring even cooking
  • A reliable meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)

You’ll need a well-oiled outdoor grill or gan to grill the chicken. This will add a smoky flavour to the juicy breast and make it a crispy chicken parmesan recipe.

Kitchen ToolPurpose
Nonstick Skillet or Grill PanCook the chicken
Baking Sheet with Foil/ParchmentAssemble the parmesan topping
Shallow Breading BowlsBread the chicken
Kitchen ShearsTrim and shred the chicken
Meat Mallet or Rolling PinFlatten the chicken for even cooking
Meat ThermometerEnsure safe internal temperature
Outdoor Grill or Grill PanGrill the chicken for smoky flavor

With these tools, you can create a perfect home recipe for juicy grilled chicken breast and crispy chicken parmesan.

Kitchen Tools for Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Make your weeknight dinner special with this quick Grilled Chicken Parmesan recipe. Grilling the chicken makes it crispy without extra oil or calories. Follow these steps for a tasty, easy Italian dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Preparing the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them to 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and a juicy texture. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Grilling Technique

Heat your grill to medium-high. Brush the chicken with olive oil on both sides. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked. Don’t overcook; it will cook more after removing from the grill.

Assembling the Parmesan Topping

Prepare the Parmesan topping while grilling. Mix grated ParmesaParmesanredded mozzarella in a bowl. After grilling, top each chicken piece with marinara sauce and the cheese mixture.

Melting the Cheese

Place the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. Watch closely to avoid burning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil for extra flavour.

Enjoy your easy Italian dinner ideas and crispy chicken parmesan recipe any weeknight!

Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Perfect Marinara Sauce Recipe

Make your homemade marinara sauce shine and elevate your quick chicken parmesan recipe. This sauce is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Mix crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Simmer on the stovetop for 20 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend well. Add some sugar to sweeten it and balance the tomato’s acidity.

For a quicker option, use Rao’s or Newman’s marinara sauce. These brands offer high-quality, authentic Italian sauces. Just warm the sauce before using it in your chicken parmesan. Use about 1/8 cup of sauce per piece to avoid the chicken getting too soggy.

Whether you make it from scratch or use store-bought, the secret to the great marinara sauce is letting the flavours mix well. Serve your grilled chicken parmesan with plenty of this sauce. Top it off with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful and tasty finish.

homemade marinara sauce

Tips for Serving Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Grilled low-carb chicken parmesan is a tasty and guilt-free choice for weeknights. To make sure your cheesy grilled chicken is perfect, here are some tips:

Pairing Ideas

  • For a low-carb meal, try serving the grilled chicken parmesan over whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted spaghetti squash.
  • Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a meal full of nutrients.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

Meal-prepping the grilled chicken can make weeknights easier. Cook the chicken ahead of time, reheat it, and top it with marinara sauce and cheese before serving. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for three days or frozen for three months for quick meals.

Customization for Dietary Preferences

Grilled chicken parmesan can be tailored to fit different diets. Swap mozzarella for low-fat provolone or mix parmesaParmesanmano for a deeper flavour. Adding roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant boosts fibre and nutrients.

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories579
Protein43 g
Carbohydrates43 g
Dietary Fiber4 g
Total Sugar11 g
Total Fat25 g
Saturated Fat8 g
Cholesterol157 mg

Using these tips, you can improve the taste of your low-carb chicken parmesan and cheesy grilled chicken. Thus, you can enjoy a delicious and fulfilling meal every time.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Need quick and tasty weeknight chicken dinner ideas or Italian dinner ideas? Leftover Grilled Chicken Parmesan is perfect. It’s easy to store and reheat, making it great for busy nights.

To store it, put the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat it, use the oven. Set it to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make the chicken hot.

Freezing is also an option. Cool the dish, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for three to three months. To reheat, thaw it first and then bake it at 350°F for about 75 minutes.

Reheating should be gentle to keep the chicken juicy and crispy. It is ideal for quick weeknight chicken dinners or easy Italian dinner ideas.

Reheating MethodTimeTemperature
Oven10-15 minutes350°F
Broiler2-3 minutesHigh
Air Fryer4-6 minutes380°F
Microwave (50% power)2-3 minutesN/A
Steaming4-6 minutesN/A

For the best reheated Grilled Chicken Parmesan, avoid overcooking. This keeps it moist and flavorful. Follow these tips to enjoy it repeatedly, even on the busiest weeknight chicken dinners or easy Italian dinner ideas.

Conclusion

This quick and easy grilled chicken parmesan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines great taste, health, and convenience. Grilling the chicken produces a crispy dish with lower calories and fat.

High-quality ingredients like organic chicken and fresh mozzarella boost the dish’s taste and nutrition. Marinating the chicken in balsamic vinegar before grilling makes it tender and flavorful.

This versatile recipe can be customized to recipe dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free, vegetarian, or low-calorie options, it’s easy to customize. Try this quick chicken parmesan recipe for a delicious and healthy grilled chicken dish your family will love.

FAQ

What are the core ingredients for this grilled chicken parmesan recipe?

The main ingredients are chicken tenderloins, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano Reggiano. You’ll also need oregano, thyme, flour, eggs, and olive oil. Don’t forget marinara sauce, fontina cheese, and fresh basil.

Can I use any type of cheese for this recipe?

Fontina cheese is the best choice because it melts well. But, you can also use fresh mozzarella or provolone as substitutes.

How do I prepare the chicken for grilling?

First, flatten the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. Then, season it and coat it in flour, eggs, and panko mixture. Finally, grill it.

How long should I grill the chicken?

Grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. It should turn golden and be cooked through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 8 hours in advance. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and broil.

What should I serve with grilled chicken parmesan?

It goes well with whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. You can also serve it with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

How do I store and reheat leftover grilled chicken parmesan?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep it tender.

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