Craving a mouthwatering chicken dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this Low Fat Creamy Parmesan Chicken that will make your taste buds dance and your diet goals cheer! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that's packed with flavor but light on calories - it's the ultimate guilt-free comfort food that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the chicken.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the low-fat Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended into a creamy sauce.
- Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the sauce adhere better and promote even cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
- Once the chicken is browned, remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the creamy Parmesan mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will bubble and become slightly golden.
- After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and help the sauce adhere better.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
- For extra flavor, try using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged grated cheese.
- If your chicken breasts are different sizes, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness.
- For a crispy top, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Choose a high-quality, thick Greek yogurt for the creamiest sauce possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
