If you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, look no further than a serving of crusted chicken parmesan. Weighing in at 260 calories per 99g serving, this dish strikes the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition.

Made with chicken breasts that are crusted with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both crunchy and juicy. Whether you're following a low-carb diet or just looking for a delicious meal, crusted chicken parmesan is a great option. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this dish, from its ingredients to its health benefits and beyond.

Without further ado, let's dive in and discover everything you need to know about crusted chicken parmesan.

Ingredients of Crusted Chicken Parmesan

The ingredients for crusted chicken parmesan are relatively simple. You'll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

With these ingredients, you'll be able to create a tasty and satisfying meal in no time.

Health benefits of Crusted Chicken Parmesan

While crusted chicken parmesan isn't exactly a health food, it does have some redeeming qualities. For one thing, it's a great source of protein. A single serving contains around 30 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Additionally, chicken breast is a relatively lean source of protein, meaning it's relatively low in fat as well.

That said, crusted chicken parmesan is often served with sides that are high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, like pasta and garlic bread. If you're looking to make this dish a bit healthier, consider pairing it with some steamed veggies instead.

Calories and nutrition in Crusted Chicken Parmesan

As mentioned earlier, a 99g serving of crusted chicken parmesan contains around 260 calories. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for a serving of this dish:

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg

Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly depending on how you prepare the dish and what ingredients you use.

Best way to cook Crusted Chicken Parmesan

There are a few different methods for cooking crusted chicken parmesan, but here's one simple recipe to get you started:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve and enjoy!

Of course, feel free to experiment with different cooking methods and ingredients to find a recipe that works best for you.

Side dishes to pair with Crusted Chicken Parmesan

As mentioned earlier, crusted chicken parmesan is often served with high-carb, high-fat sides like pasta and garlic bread. While there's nothing wrong with indulging from time to time, there are also plenty of healthier sides you can pair with this dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted veggies
• Steamed green beans
• Salad with light dressing
• Quinoa or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice

Any of these sides will provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to balance out your meal.

Variations of Crusted Chicken Parmesan

While the traditional version of crusted chicken parmesan is delicious, there are also plenty of variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap out the chicken breast for turkey or pork chops
• Add some veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the dish
• Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a low-carb version of the recipe
• Try different types of cheese, like cheddar or feta, in place of the Parmesan
• Top the chicken with pesto instead of marinara sauce

The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative!

Cooking tips for Crusted Chicken Parmesan

If you're new to cooking crusted chicken parmesan, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when cooking the chicken. This will help ensure that the coating gets crispy and golden brown.
• Make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. You can pound them with a meat mallet if needed to create more uniform pieces of meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the juices redistribute and create a more tender and juicy final product.

With a little practice, you'll be cooking up delicious crusted chicken parmesan like a pro in no time!

History and origin of Chicken Parmesan

While the exact origin of chicken parmesan is unknown, it's believed to have originated in Italy. The dish is a variation of the classic Italian dish, veal parmigiana, which is made with breaded and fried veal cutlets.

Chicken parmesan first became popular in America in the mid-twentieth century, thanks in part to the influx of Italian immigrants at the time. Today, it's a popular dish in many Italian-American restaurants and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Popular restaurants that serve Crusted Chicken Parmesan

If you're looking to try crusted chicken parmesan at a restaurant, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few popular chain restaurants that serve this dish:

• Olive Garden
• Carrabba's Italian Grill
• Johnny Carino's
• Buca di Beppo
• Maggiano's Little Italy

Of course, these are just a few options - you can likely find crusted chicken parmesan on the menu at many Italian restaurants near you.

Customer reviews and ratings of Crusted Chicken Parmesan

If you're still on the fence about trying crusted chicken parmesan, consider taking a look at some customer reviews and ratings online. Here are a few examples from popular recipe websites:

• 'This was so delicious and easy to make. The chicken was juicy and crispy and the sauce was perfect. I will definitely be making this again.' - Allrecipes.com
• 'I've tried a lot of chicken parmesan recipes over the years, and I have to say this is the best one I've ever had. The combination of bread crumbs, Parmesan, and spices really make a difference.' - Food.com
• 'This is one of my go-to recipes for a quick and easy dinner. It's always a hit with my family!' - MyRecipes.com

As you can see, crusted chicken parmesan is a favorite among home cooks and restaurant-goers alike.