Grilled chicken Parmesan is a lighter version of a classic dish. It’s made with grilled boneless chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese for a flavorful and lighter twist on classic chicken Parmesan.
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Lighter Chicken Parmesan
In the warmer months we cook lighter foods and keep the oven off as much as possible. As a result, some of our winter favorites are “summerized” like this chicken Parmesan recipe.
Grilled chicken Parmesan is fresher and lighter than the traditional comforting chicken Parmesan and equally as delicious.
The boneless chicken breasts soak in a balsamic based marinade which adds flavor and moisture. Once grilled, the chicken breasts are topped with a combination of fresh diced tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, then sprinkled with mozzarella cheese.
Grilled chicken Parmesan is a fantastic dinner idea for an outdoor get-together. It cooks quickly, and the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time.
Serve it with a salad and a side of fresh pasta.
The Ingredients
- Bonelesss chicken breasts – The base of this dish. Slice them thin or use chicken cutlets for the best results.
- Fresh Tomatoes – Add a fresh and and sweet flavor.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavor of the entire dish because that’s what garlic does.
- Fresh basil – Fresh tomatoes and basil just go together!
- Balsamic vinegar – Adds flavor to the chicken breasts and it slightly tenderizes the meat.
- Olive oil – Helps the meat retain moisture as it is cooks and minimizes the sharp flavor of the vinegar.
- Dried Oregano – Seasons the marinade
Recipe Steps
Please note that this a list of steps to give you an idea how to make this recipe. Full details are in the recipe card below.
- Mix the marinade ingredients together in a bowl and add the chicken
- Pre-heat the grill
- Prepare the ingredients: chop the tomatoes, garlic and basil, grate the cheese
- Place the chicken breasts onto the grill and cook them
- Top the chicken breasts with tomato mixture and cheese cook until the cheese melts
Total Estimated Time to Make this Recipe: 30 to 40 Minutes
Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe Tips and Variations
Ensure even cooking time of the chicken. The chicken breasts should be about ¼ in size thick all around. If they are not, you can use a meat tenderizer to pound them out.
Although any type of fresh tomato will work, the best type of tomato to use is a less juicy one such as a plum tomato. Canned diced tomatoes that have been drained or a thick marinara sauce works well too.
Make it easy to grate fresh mozzarella cheese by placing it in the freezer for a few hours before grating it using a hand grater.
The easiest way to crush garlic is to use a garlic press or by placing the clove of garlic onto a cutting board and using a heavy knife, place the blade flat on top of the garlic clove and press down firmly until the garlic clove is crushed.
Change it up – brush fresh pesto sauce on the chicken instead of marinating it.
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Grilled Chicken Parmesan
Grilled chicken Parmesan is a lighter version of a classic dish. It's made with grilled boneless chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese for a flavorful and lighter twist on classic chicken Parmesan.
Ingredients
The Marinade
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound chicken cutlets or boneless chicken breasts sliced thin
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (about 3 to 4 plum or medium tomatoes)
- 2 cloves of garlic divided
- 1 handful of fresh basil
- ½ cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Prepare
- Mix the marinade ingredients (1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 clove of crushed garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil) together in a bowl
- Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade
- Pre-heat the grill
- Chop the tomatoes, garlic and basil, grate the cheese
Make it
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the marinade
- Place the chicken breasts onto the grill and cook for about 7 minutes and flip
- Cook for 4 minutes more and top with the tomatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Cover the grill and allow to cook for 3 to 5 minutes more until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165) and cheese has melted.
Notes
To ensure even cooking time of the chicken, make sure that the chicken breasts are an even thickness by using a meat tenderizer to pound them out.
Change it up - brush fresh pesto sauce on the chicken instead of marinating it.
Nutrition information is provided by Nutrifox, an online calculator and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. Even though I try to provide accurate information, these figures should still be considered as estimates
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 piece of chickenAmount Per Serving: Calories: 424Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 169mgSodium: 422mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 41g
Nutrition information is provided by an online calculator and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. Even though I try to provide accurate information, these figures should still be considered as estimates.
You can never go wrong with a great chicken dinner. I know my family would enjoy this. Perfect for serving guests as well.
Yum! This Grilled chicken Parmesan is making me hungry and crave! Would love to try making this at home. I am totally sure that they’ll love this.
I’m sure they will love it! Enjoy!
This looks like a great quick dinner meal for the whole family to enjoy! You can never go wrong with grilled chicken!
Thanks Elena and you are right about grilled chicken!
I love your idea of grilling the chicken in the warmer months. Your Grilled Chicken Parmesan sounds so fresh and light and perfect for the summer. Thanks for the tip for making grating the the Parmesan cheese easier by placing it in the freezer… pure genius. I can’t wait to try this since I have a surplus of fresh tomatoes and basil from my garden.
I love this lighter version of chicken parmesan! As you said, perfect for the warmer days, and great use for all of the seasonal, fresh and juicy tomatoes! It would make a perfect lunch or dinner with a side salad. I just know that my family is going to love this recipe!
thanks Anna
The photos are super tempting! I love everything about this chicken recipe. So simple and delicious!
Thanks Paula!
My kids just LOVED these!!! The youngest is so picky and will question most dinners but he ate a whole chicken fillet!!!
That is a winner for me!
And the tip about freezing the mozzarella for a while first! GENIUS!
Thanks Claire! I’m glad everyone enjoyed it!
Tasty chicken dinners are the greatest. We eat chicken several times a week and normally the chicken is grilled. This version will certainly be a hit with our family. I’ll put this recipe on the menu this week.
I hope you like it Marisa!
I am printing this recipe off! I’m writing my dinner meal plans for the week and this one just made the menu! I love balsamic vinegar and the tomatoes and basil on top sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try this!!
Thanks Amanda, Enjoy!
This is making me so hungry ! I love the addition of balsamic , you almost cant go without it 🙂
Thank you Analida!