Name: Devour 50-Minute Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded With Protein
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 2 Eggs, beaten; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 cup Marinara sauce; 2 cups Cooked quinoa; 1/2 cup Part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

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Okay, who doesn’t love chicken parm, right? That crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness… mmm! But let’s be real, sometimes you just want that comfort food without, you know, all the guilt. That’s where this Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein comes in! It’s seriously the perfect solution when you’re craving something satisfying but still want to keep things on the lighter side.

I remember one week, I was just *dying* for chicken parm. Like, could-eat-it-every-day levels of craving. But my jeans were already feeling a little snug, so I knew I needed a better plan! That’s how this protein-packed bowl was born. It’s got all the flavors you love, it’s ready in under an hour, and it’s packed with protein to keep you full and happy. Trust me, you won’t even miss the pasta!

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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed with this bowl! Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 50 minutes, tops! Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something yummy *fast*.
Packed with Protein

With both chicken *and* quinoa, this bowl is a protein powerhouse! Hello, muscle building and feeling full for hours! Learn more about the benefits of protein for muscle building.
Healthier than Traditional Chicken Parm

We’re talking way fewer calories and less fat than the classic. It’s a win-win!
Delicious and Satisfying

All the comforting flavors of chicken parm you crave, but in a wholesome, feel-good bowl. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients for Your Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups cooked quinoa
1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (my favorite part!)

How to Make a Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on your Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein in no time!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready! Grab two bowls. In one, put your beaten eggs. In the other, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now, dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat it really well in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs on so they *stick* – you don’t want any bald spots!

Searing the Chicken

Heat up that olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Careful, it splatters! Once it’s hot, sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You just want a nice golden-brown crust, not to cook it all the way through.

Baking the Chicken Parm

Now, pour that marinara sauce right over the chicken in the skillet. Make sure everything’s nicely coated! Then, sprinkle that mozzarella cheese on top – don’t be shy! Pop the whole skillet into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken’s cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!

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Assembling the Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Time to build our masterpiece! Divide the cooked quinoa into bowls. Then, spoon the baked chicken parm and all that delicious sauce right on top. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and a pop of color. And that’s it! Dig in and enjoy your amazing Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein!

Tips for the Perfect Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Want to take your Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips!

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Seriously, this is a biggie! If you cram too much chicken into the skillet, it’ll steam instead of sear. You want that nice, crispy crust, so work in batches if you need to!

Use Quality Marinara Sauce

The sauce is where so much of the flavor comes from, so don’t settle for the cheap stuff! Use your favorite brand, or even better, make your own homemade marinara. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Don’t be afraid to play around with the seasonings! Add a little more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture until it tastes just right to *you*. It’s your bowl, after all!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for a Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Okay, so sometimes you might not have *exactly* what the recipe calls for, or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit. No problem! Here are a few easy swaps you can make for this Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein:

Quinoa Substitutions

Not a quinoa fan? No worries! Brown rice works great, or if you’re really trying to keep the carbs low, cauliflower rice is a fantastic option. Just make sure it’s cooked before you assemble the bowl!

Breadcrumb Options

If you’re gluten-free, definitely grab some gluten-free breadcrumbs! They work just as well. Or, if you want a super crispy coating, try using panko breadcrumbs. They’re a little coarser and give the chicken an extra crunch!

Cheese Variations

Mozzarella’s classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Provolone would be delicious, or even fontina for something a little different. Use whatever melts nicely and makes your taste buds happy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Okay, your Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein is amazing on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, here are a couple of easy sides to round out your meal!

Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to add some extra veggies and freshness to your meal. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together!

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed broccoli or green beans are another great option. They’re healthy, delicious, and they cook up in minutes! Just toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you’re good to go.

Storing and Reheating Your Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein tastes just as good the next day (maybe even better!). Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro:

Storage Instructions

To keep things fresh, I always store the chicken and quinoa separately. That way, the chicken stays nice and crispy, and the quinoa doesn’t get soggy. Just pop ’em in airtight containers and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, you’ve got a couple of options. For the best results, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. But if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Just heat it up in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and warm. Don’t overdo it, or the chicken will get tough!

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about this Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein:

Can I make this Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein ahead of time?

Absolutely! This bowl is awesome for meal prep. Just cook the quinoa, bread the chicken, and make the sauce ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just sear and bake the chicken, and assemble your bowl! Super convenient for busy weeks.

Is this Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. There are tons of great options out there these days. Double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free too, just to be safe!

Can I use an air fryer to cook the chicken for this Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein?

You betcha! I actually love using the air fryer for this. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then cook the breaded chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Then just top with sauce and cheese and air fry for another minute or two until the cheese is melted. So easy! Check out this air fryer recipe for more ideas.

Nutritional Information for Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein

Okay, just a quick note about the nutrition info. Keep in mind that the exact calories, protein, fat, carbs, etc., can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, this is just a general estimate, not an exact calculation! Always check the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate info.

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Enjoy Your Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein!

Alright, there you have it! I really hope you love this Healthy Chicken Parm Bowl Loaded with Protein as much as I do! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you enjoyed it, don’t forget to rate the recipe!