Name: Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (1-inch thickness); 1/3 cup grated parmesan; 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 lbs red potatoes (cut into halves); 2 tablespoons grated parmesan; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste); 1 lb green beans (fresh, with ends cut); 1 tablespoon parmesan; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic; Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables offers a delicious, nutritious twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken breasts with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb coating, paired with perfectly roasted potatoes and green beans. The dish provides a satisfying, well-rounded meal, bursting with flavor and texture, without compromising on health. The rich, savory Parmesan adds an extra layer of depth, while the veggies balance the meal with essential nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is an easy and enjoyable way to satisfy your cravings for comfort food in a lighter, healthier way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables is a perfect balance of health and flavor. The chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of Parmesan and breadcrumbs for that crispy texture you love, while remaining lean and light. The roasted red potatoes, seasoned to perfection, provide a hearty side that complements the chicken, and the green beans add a fresh and vibrant element to the plate. Every bite is packed with satisfying flavors and nutrients, making it an ideal meal for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent dish. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, making it a great choice for busy nights or special occasions. You’ll love the combination of flavors, the crispy chicken, and the perfectly cooked veggies – all without the extra calories of a traditional Chicken Parmesan.

Ingredients

Chicken:

Chicken breast (1 1/2 lb, 1-inch thickness)
Grated Parmesan
Italian bread crumbs
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Kosher salt
Black pepper

Potatoes:

Red potatoes (2 lbs, cut into halves)
Grated Parmesan
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Salt
Black pepper

Green Beans:

Fresh green beans (1 lb, ends cut)
Parmesan
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Salt
Black pepper

Variations

This dish is highly versatile, allowing you to mix and match with different vegetables and seasonings. You can swap out the red potatoes for sweet potatoes for an extra boost of vitamins, or try using cauliflower for a lower-carb option. If you’re looking to add more flavor, consider sprinkling some dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme on the chicken and vegetables. For an even lighter option, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a bit more fiber. Additionally, you could try using a variety of vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for a different spin on the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Begin by preparing the potatoes. Cut the red potatoes into halves and toss them with olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

Place the baking sheet with potatoes in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. Stir them halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the chicken. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into the mixture, pressing it gently to coat both sides with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Green Beans

In the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the green beans for about 5-6 minutes, until they are tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan for added flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is cooked, plate the chicken alongside the roasted potatoes and green beans. Serve immediately for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

For an extra crispy coating on the chicken, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes after browning it in the skillet.
Be sure not to overcrowd the potatoes on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy.
You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time when assembling the meal.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Feel free to adjust the garlic and seasoning according to your taste preferences.

How to Serve

This Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables is perfect on its own or paired with a light salad. You can serve it with a side of whole-grain bread for added texture or drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the vegetables to enhance the flavor. If you prefer, you can serve it with a low-sugar marinara sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle it over the chicken for a more traditional touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, potatoes, and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish should keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. The chicken, potatoes, and green beans can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.

Reheating

For reheating, place the chicken, potatoes, and green beans on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the potatoes may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to cook.

2. Can I substitute the breadcrumbs for something gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond flour as a substitute for the traditional breadcrumbs.

3. Can I add cheese to the top of the chicken?

Yes, you can sprinkle mozzarella cheese or any other cheese of your choice on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, melty finish.

4. What other vegetables can I use instead of green beans?

Feel free to use asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli as alternatives to green beans. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

5. Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the vegetables and breading in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Then, cook the chicken and veggies just before serving.

6. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center.

8. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

9. How can I make the potatoes crispier?

For crispier potatoes, make sure they’re evenly spaced on the baking sheet and flipped halfway through roasting.

10. Can I add herbs to the breading?

Yes, adding dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the breading will enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Conclusion

Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting meal while keeping things light and nutritious. With juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and tender green beans, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers both flavor and health benefits, making it a great addition to your regular menu. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this healthier take on Chicken Parmesan, and feel free to get creative with the variations to make it your own.