Lighter Chicken Parmesan

When I saw this recipe in my Google Reader, I instantly knew I had to make it. When I saw that the ingredient list included panko breadcrumbs, I knew for sure it would be a hit. This dish is made lighter because the chicken is not fried. Some might think that would take too much crispness away, but the panko guarantee that doesn’t happen. With all the flavor in this dish, no one will ever guess it’s a light version. This is an easy weeknight meal, and goes wonderfully with angel hair pasta and crusty garlic bread.

We easily halved this recipe to make two servings, but I’ve included the recipe for four.

Lighter Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper
3 large egg whites
1 tbsp. water
vegetable cooking spray
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut into halves (4 pieces total)
2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
about 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp. minced fresh basil

Directions:
-Adjust an oven rack to the middle position.
-Preheat the oven to 475°.
-Combine the breadcrumbs and oil in a 12-inch skillet and toast over medium heat until golden, stirring often, about 10 minutes.
-Spread the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and allow to cool slightly; when cool, stir in the Parmesan.
-In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper together. -In a third shallow dish whisk together the egg whites and water.
-Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with vegetable oil spray.
-Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
-Lightly dredge each chicken piece in the flour to coat completely, shaking off the excess.
-Then dip into the egg whites and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
-Press on the breadcrumbs to make sure they adhere.
-Place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
-Bake until the chicken is no longer pink and feels firm when pressed with a finger, about 15 minutes.
-Remove the chicken from the oven.
-Spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the top of each piece of chicken and top with 2 tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella.
-Return the chicken to the oven and continue to bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
-Sprinkle with the fresh basil and serve as desired, with extra Parmesan and marinara sauce.

Source: As seen on Annie’s Eats, originally from Cooks Illustrated, October 2006