Chicken Parmesan is one of my favorite dishes. I think it’s so comforting. When I splurge (calorie wise) I like to do so with Chicken Parmesan. However, this Healthy Chicken Parmesan over Spaghetti Squash is still crave worthy but I can save the calorie splurge for another meal. It’s so good!
Healthy Swaps
Instead of pan frying the chicken I bake it. You would never know this version is healthier. I think the trick is adding fresh herbs to the Italian bread crumbs. I add parsley, basil and thyme.
The chicken is so moist and perfectly flavored. I use thin cut chicken breasts. However, you can flatten them out yourself if you can’t find thin cut. Buying it already thin just cuts out a step and makes it a little easier.
Another short cut I use is store bought marinara sauce. Rao’s is my go-to store bought. It tastes just as good as my homemade version. It’s fresh tasting, packed with good ingredients, and has very little sugar – unlike most store bought sauces.
I especially love the buffalo mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. It bubbles up and crisps perfectly under the broiler. So yummy! Then right before serving I add some freshly cut basil to the dish – it’s the perfect touch!
You can serve this over any type of pasta you’d like but I love serving it over spaghetti squash. It’s a great pasta replacement and Lukas loves it, too! Anytime I can sneak in vegetables, is a big win in my book haha! And spaghetti squash is so easy! I just carve out the insides, sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, lay cut side down on a cookie sheet and bake at 425 for 45 minutes or until soft.
Set up a dredging station first. Add the eggs to a shallow dish and the bread crumbs to another one. Add the fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to the bread crumbs and mix well.
Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Dredge the chicken in the egg mixture first and then the bread crumbs. Make sure the chicken is fully covered in bread crumbs. Lay the chicken breasts on the cookie sheet. Bake the chicken in a 400 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until it becomes golden brown.
When the chicken is done remove it from the oven and spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce on top. Then layer with pieces of the buffalo mozzarella cheese. Just pull the cheese a part and place on the chicken. Place under a broiler until the cheese begins to brown and bubble – just a minute or two. I like to add a little more sauce to the top before serving.
Serve the chicken over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and some freshly grated parmesan. If you’re making spaghetti squash – all you do is place the squash in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Once it’s cooled, cut lengthwise down the middle. Remove the seeds and the insides. Sprinkle the flesh with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until soft. Scoop out the squash and serve!
[…] It is great to use as is over pasta, or you can add any protein you’d like (try it in my Chicken Parmesan). I even like to can this sauce and use it in soups. My absolute favorite way to use this sauce is […]
Hello, my name is Autumn, a working mom who has a passion for being in the kitchen. I love how food brings us together, shapes who we are and helps cultivate our identity. I hope you will follow along with me through my seasons of discovery in the kitchen and find a little inspiration of your own. Cheers! xoxo
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[…] It is great to use as is over pasta, or you can add any protein you’d like (try it in my Chicken Parmesan). I even like to can this sauce and use it in soups. My absolute favorite way to use this sauce is […]