Chicken Parmesan Recipe - Grilled Chicken Parmesan • Two Purple Figs (2024)

This Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe is the ultimate guilt free version of a beloved classic Chicken Parmesan. Tender juicy and flavorful pan grilled chicken breasts are topped with basil pesto, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and baked in a fresh quick homemade marinara sauce.

Say hello to the perfect Italian comfort food to serve with pasta, salad or crusty bread! Not only a skinny version, but a really delicious one too!

I’ve always loved chicken parmesan, and if you’ve been to Italy or even been invited to Italian homes you’ll feel this is a classic that symbols comfort.

And like many other comfort foods, this lovely chicken dish will taste differently from place to another and from home to another. Much of the taste relies on the marinara sauce used, and the breading used to pan fry the chicken.

CHICKEN PARMESAN RECIPE

Chicken Parmesan is basically breaded chicken breasts, pan fried and baked over marinara sauce with cheese over the chicken.

It’s probably the ultimate Italian comfort chicken recipe. And while I LOVE it, I prefer this skinny grilled version so much more!

Since we’re on Italian food, can I just say, you need to try thisSpaghetti aglio e olio – Olive oil Pasta. Life’s simplest ingredients make the best meals sometimes! Video includes for the spaghetti recipe too!

WHY GRILLED CHICKEN PARMESAN

Grilling the chicken here adds a layer of extra flavor to the chicken. You don’t even need to use an outdoor grill, I’ve used an indoor grill today and it was perfect!

If you think you’ll loose the flavor from the fried crusted chicken, well I’ve added a much better one here and a secret ingredient. I added basil pesto! Yes! A teaspoon of basil pesto over each chicken takes this chicken Parmesan recipe to another level.

Another thing I’ve also added in order to keep the flavor level up is a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken.

Now I can promise you this chicken parm doesn’t lack flavor a single bit, and even more, it doesn’t leave you feeling heavy like the fried chicken one! So I know you’ll be making it over and over!

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN PARMESAN

I start out by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper and dried oregano, and pan grill them till they’re nice and golden.

Then I use my favouriteQuick Homemade Marinara Saucebecause i love the flavors and freshness it adds to this dish.

Then once the chicken is beautifully placed on the marinara sauce, it gets a teaspoon of myhomemade basil pesto, parmesan cheese, more marinara and finally a sprinkle of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses! Baked in the oven and ready to devour! For the record–my friend calls it spaghetti sauce not marinara sauce, so either way you call it, it works!

I had a little ( ok, a lot) of help from my oldest daughter helping out here—and yes she insisted on showing off her fancy nail polish! And showing off her love for the yummy grilled chicken parmesan dinner.

Bake the chicken parm for under 30 minutes. I feel 20 mins is perfect, however I know some ovens run at different temperatures, plus the fan/convection factor may speed things up. So keep an eye on it after 15 minutes.

Make this Chicken Parmesan tonight and serve it with salad, pasta, crusty bread or whatever makes you happy!:) Enjoy.

CHICKEN PARMESAN RECIPE TIPS

• Use fresh chicken breasts and slice each in half by length so the chicken cooks faster.
• If you want to keep the chicken breasts without slicing in half lengthwise, increase the cooking time on each side by 3 minutes.
• Add some garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer that flavor.
• Use store bought Marinara sauce if you think the homemade one is a hassle, but add a teaspoon of basil pesto to your store bought marinara for a boost of flavor!
• Adding basil pesto over each chicken breast creates incredible flavor to the chicken parmesan along with some grated fresh parmesan.
• Make the whole recipe in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Or make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for 4 days before serving.
• Make the chicken parmesan into individual long ramekins rather than a single shallow dish or baking dish.

CHICKEN RECIPES

Italian Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe–loaded with goodness and flavor!

Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders — the best way to crust your chicken fingers! Lemon Artichoke Garlic Roast Chicken with Salsa–sheet pan chicken with self made salsa/sauce.

Lemon Caper Artichoke Chicken Piccata — The best speedy weeknight dinner!

Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Walnut Sauce — My grandma’s recipe with a twist!

Korean Fried Chicken Strips – My friend’s recipe which we adore!

Grilled Chicken Parmesan -This recipe story at a glance!

Lemon Chicken Hummus Platter – Best Lemon Chicken on the grill and served with a hummus platter!

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Dinner – One pot Dinner Wonders!!

Best Salad with this Chicken Parmesan is myCaprese Salad and video recipe!

ENJOY!