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| Neighborhood Grill Chicken Parmesan |
Someone told me a few years ago that the best chicken Parmesan he ever ate was not from an Italian restaurant or from mom or grandma’s kitchen. It was served at a family-owned bar and grill down the street from his home. The owners weren’t even Italian.
You know the kind of place I am talking about:
Grill is likely spelled “grille,” and as a result of using the accepted spelling for an auto part, there is usually some reference to racing or classic cars on the walls.
The napkins are paper and the patrons are locals.
The only garnish on the plate is a chunk of garlic toast.
The wine list consists of a house red, a house white and a white zinfandel, so you order a pint of Stella. Everything on their not-so-extensive menu pairs just fine with the beer.
It’s the type of joint you’ll visit over and over again.
Why did this man like the chicken so much? It wasn’t about the sauce. It was all about the crunchy coating and the moist chicken. It was most likely deep-fried. But there was something in the breading that he just couldn’t put his finger on, and the cook surely wouldn’t share the secret.
I set out to create an oven-fried, healthier version that captured that same culinary spirit. Leftovers are great, so feel free to double this recipe and make a big pan.
Ingredients:
4 5 ounce Chicken Breasts (pounded thin)
1 large Egg, beaten
2 tablespoons Philadelphia® 1/3 Less Fat Savory Garlic Cooking Crème*
1 tablespoon Grill Seasoning for Chicken (I used Weber)*
2 tablespoons 2% Milk
1 tablespoon
3/4 cup Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs
1/4 cup Seasoned Italian Bread Crumbs
1/8 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (more for passing at table)
½ tablespoon dried Rosemary
1 24 ounce jar Marinara Sauce
3 ounces Shredded Part Skim or Fat Free Mozzarella Cheese
1 teaspoon dried Oregano
Other: Cooking Spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Pound chicken breast to about a 1/4 inch thick.
In one bowl, combine cooking crème, grill seasoning, milk and
In another bowl, combine the panko and the Italian breadcrumbs. Toss in Parmesan cheese and rosemary and mix.
Heat marinara sauce in saucepan over low heat until it is warmed through.
To bread chicken, dip each chicken breast into the wet mixture and then into the dry coating; coat liberally. Transfer chicken to a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Repeat process until all chicken is coated.
Spray top of chicken with cooking spray to keep it moist while baking. Bake for 28-30 minutes (juices should run clear from the chicken). Adjust cooking time accordingly for your oven.
Carefully remove baking dish from oven. Top each piece with a ladle of sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top of chicken. Top with dried oregano.
Turn on broiler. Place chicken topped with sauce and cheese back under broiler for five minutes or until cheese is bubbling.
Serve with your favorite whole grain or low carb pasta and more sauce on the side. Pass Parmesan cheese around at the table.
Note: Your baking pan needs to be both oven and broiler-safe.
Variation: Like a moister, less crunchy coating? Use half panko and half Italian bread crumbs.
*Product listed by name as it is unique. Not an endorsement and no product was supplied to blogger.
6 comments:
Those are THE best kinds of restaurants! They often have the best food and they stay open for that very reason!
I agree with Jen. Those are the best places.
I love chicken parm, but I have had little success achieving the tasty flavorful version that you find in italian restaurants. However, your post here is inspiring, so I may have to try again with this recipe. Your pictures are amazing!
I agree on those being the best places to eat. ;.) And, thanks, Tina, on the picture comment. I am learning how to use the different settings on my camera now. ;.)
Beautiful dish. I will deft. give a try.
P.S. love your blog. :) i am your new follower.
Looks really tasty! I love chicken parmezan!
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