Easy Low Carb Grilled Chicken Parmesan: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal
Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner that fits your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than this fantastic recipe for Grilled Chicken Parmesan! This dish takes all the classic flavors you adore in traditional chicken parm – tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and aromatic fresh basil – and transforms it into a lighter, quicker, and equally satisfying meal. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet wholesome.
Low-carb recipes have become a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason! They offer a fantastic way to enjoy flavorful meals while managing carb intake. If you’re keen on exploring more delicious low-carb options, you’ll definitely want to try these other favorites: Tomato and Basil Shrimp, Creamy Baked Chicken Legs, and Low Carb Chicken Piccata. Each offers unique flavors and simplicity, making healthy eating a joy.
What is Grilled Chicken Parmesan?
At its heart, Grilled Chicken Parmesan is a reimagined classic. While traditional chicken parmesan typically involves breaded and fried chicken cutlets, this version skips the breading entirely, opting for juicy, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breasts. These succulent chicken pieces are then smothered in a vibrant, homemade (or quality store-bought) marinara sauce, topped generously with a blend of fresh mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese, and finished with fragrant basil. The result is a dish that delivers all the robust Italian-American flavors without the extra carbs, gluten, or the mess of frying.
This grilled approach makes the dish inherently lighter and healthier, perfect for those following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce fat and calories without sacrificing taste. The grilling process imparts a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful char, adding another layer of complexity that complements the rich tomato sauce and creamy cheeses. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, can create an extraordinary meal.
Why Choose Grilled Over Fried Chicken Parmesan?
There are several compelling reasons to opt for the grilled version of this beloved dish, especially when time and health are considerations. Firstly, convenience is key. Traditional breaded and fried chicken parmesan can be a bit of an undertaking, often involving multiple steps and leaving your kitchen with a greasy cleanup. Our Grilled Chicken Parmesan, on the other hand, streamlines the process significantly. By eliminating the breading and deep-frying, you save precious time and reduce the culinary chaos, making it truly possible to get this meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Beyond convenience, the health benefits are undeniable. Grilling the chicken significantly reduces the fat and calorie content compared to frying. You get lean protein without the added oils and carbohydrates from breading. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone adhering to a low-carb, keto, or simply health-conscious eating plan. The natural flavors of the chicken are allowed to shine through, complemented by the fresh sauce and cheeses, rather than being masked by a heavy coating. It’s a fresher, lighter take that doesn’t compromise on the comforting indulgence you expect from chicken parmesan.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Marinara Sauce (or Using Store-Bought)
The sauce is the soul of any great Chicken Parmesan, and while our recipe includes a simple yet incredibly flavorful homemade version, we understand that sometimes convenience reigns supreme. Our from-scratch sauce combines aromatic onions and garlic with a hint of red crushed pepper for a subtle kick, all simmered in crushed tomatoes and seasoned with classic Italian herbs. Making it yourself allows you to control the freshness of ingredients, the amount of sugar, and the overall flavor profile, ensuring a bright and robust base for your chicken.
However, if time is truly of the essence, or you simply prefer a shortcut, absolutely feel free to use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce. The beauty of this Grilled Chicken Parmesan recipe is its flexibility. Just make sure to choose a high-quality sauce with good ingredients – preferably one that is low in added sugar and rich in tomato flavor. Using a pre-made sauce can cut down your cooking time even further, making this speedy weeknight meal even speedier. Whether homemade or store-bought, a good marinara will elevate this dish to perfection.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious and healthy dish is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps, ensuring you achieve a perfect Grilled Chicken Parmesan every time:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously. In a small bowl, combine granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. This blend provides a robust base of flavor. Sprinkle this spice mixture along with salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken, ensuring an even coating. This initial seasoning is crucial for a flavorful finished product.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. The goal here is to get a nice sear and partially cook the chicken, not cook it all the way through yet. This quick grill creates a delicious exterior and locks in moisture.
- Rest the Chicken: Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This allows the chicken to rest slightly while you prepare the sauce, and it prevents overcooking in the subsequent steps.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, as the fond from the chicken adds flavor!), add the chopped onions and a pinch of red crushed pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onions start to become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. It should just become fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
- Combine and Melt: Once the sauce is warm and bubbling, carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Ladle some of that delicious sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Cheese Perfection: Generously top each chicken breast with both Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s a key component of this dish!
- Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes. This final simmering stage allows the chicken to finish cooking through, absorbing the flavors of the sauce, and ensures the cheese melts completely into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Tips for a Juicy Grilled Chicken Parmesan Every Time
Achieving perfectly juicy chicken is the secret to an outstanding Grilled Chicken Parmesan. Here are some essential tips to ensure your chicken remains tender and moist:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: This is arguably the most crucial tip. Chicken breasts, especially when grilled, can dry out quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Remember that the chicken will continue to cook slightly even after it’s removed from the heat (carry-over cooking), so it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan: When searing the chicken, ensure there’s enough space between each piece. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming rather than searing. This prevents the chicken from developing that desirable golden-brown crust and can result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Simmer the chicken on top of the sauce and ladle a little extra on top: Once the chicken is seared, returning it to the simmering sauce allows it to finish cooking gently, infusing it with flavor and keeping it moist. Ladling extra sauce over the top before adding the cheese creates a protective layer, further preventing the chicken from drying out and ensuring every bite is rich with flavor and moisture.
Serving Suggestions for Your Low-Carb Meal
This Grilled Chicken Parmesan is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb sides to create a complete and balanced dinner. For a classic Italian feel without the carbs, consider serving it alongside zucchini noodles (zoodles), cauliflower rice, or even spaghetti squash. These options readily absorb the delicious marinara sauce.
A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always an excellent accompaniment, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Steamed or roasted low-carb vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or spinach sautéed with garlic also make fantastic pairings. They are simple to prepare and complement the chicken and sauce without adding unnecessary carbs, making your meal both delicious and perfectly aligned with your dietary goals.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a chicken enthusiast, you’re in good company! Chicken is incredibly versatile and forms the base for countless delicious meals. After you’ve enjoyed this easy Grilled Chicken Parmesan, why not explore some other fantastic chicken recipes to add to your repertoire? You might love these:
- Hearty Chicken Stew: A comforting and filling meal, perfect for colder days.
- Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy: A Southern classic for when you crave something rich and indulgent.
- Honey Butter Fried Chicken: A sweet and savory twist on a fried chicken favorite.
- Creamy Smothered Chicken Thighs: Tender thighs in a luscious, savory sauce.
Each of these recipes offers a unique flavor experience, proving just how adaptable and exciting chicken can be in the kitchen.
Grilled Chicken Parmesan
Save RecipeSaved Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 small onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- pinch of red crushed pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, combine the granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
-
Season the chicken on both sides with the spice mixture, salt, and pepper.
-
Add a couple of tbsp of oil to a large skillet and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
-
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Add the onions and red crushed pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes.
-
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds.
-
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
-
Once the sauce is nice and warm place the chicken back in the skillet and pour some sauce over the chicken.
-
Add the parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
-
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Final Thoughts on Your Grilled Chicken Parmesan Journey
This Easy Low Carb Grilled Chicken Parmesan is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple adjustments can transform a classic into a meal that’s both healthier and incredibly satisfying. By embracing the grill, we cut down on cooking time and calories, offering a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on flavor. From the perfectly seasoned chicken to the vibrant homemade marinara and the luscious melted cheese, every element comes together to create a dish that’s worthy of any weeknight dinner table.
Whether you’re dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle, looking for quicker meal prep solutions, or simply craving a delicious and wholesome chicken dish, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It demonstrates that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or complicated. So, gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and prepare to enjoy a truly delightful Italian-American classic reimagined for modern tastes. We hope you love making and eating this Grilled Chicken Parmesan as much as we do!