Ground Chicken Parmesan: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Ground Chicken Parmesan
Ground Chicken Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. This dish combines the savory flavors of ground chicken with a rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese, making it a favorite for families and friends alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
A Personal Story Behind My Ground Chicken Parmesan Journey
I still remember the first time I tried Chicken Parmesan at a small Italian restaurant. The combination of tender chicken, zesty marinara, and bubbling cheese was unforgettable. However, as I started cooking more at home, I wanted to create a version that was both easy to make and just as delicious. That’s how my Ground Chicken Parmesan recipe was born! It’s a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings back warm memories of family dinners and laughter.
What Makes This Ground Chicken Parmesan Recipe Special?
This Ground Chicken Parmesan recipe stands out because it simplifies the traditional preparation while delivering on flavor. Using ground chicken makes it lighter and quicker to cook, and the one-skillet method means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. Plus, it’s packed with protein and can easily be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of garlic, onion, and oregano elevates the dish, while the melted mozzarella on top offers that comforting, gooey goodness we all love.
The Full Ground Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 jar (26 ounce) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until almost done, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Tip: Ensure the chicken is evenly browned for the best flavor.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to combine.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add grated parmesan cheese. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts. Tip: For a crispy topping, broil the skillet in the oven for a few minutes after melting the cheese.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan Skillet over spaghetti or your preferred pasta. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Ground Chicken Parmesan
This Ground Chicken Parmesan is fantastic served over a bed of spaghetti, but feel free to get creative! You can also serve it with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option, or alongside a fresh garden salad for some added crunch. For those who enjoy a bit of kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also swap out the mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile. This recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Chicken Parmesan
Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Ensure that the marinara sauce you choose is gluten-free, or make your own from scratch. Serve it over gluten-free pasta or vegetables.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the ground chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up and add the cheese before serving.
What can I serve with Ground Chicken Parmesan? Garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables are all excellent accompaniments to this dish.
Ground Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Skillet A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 3.75 cup diced onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 26 ounce marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until almost done, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to combine.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add grated parmesan cheese. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts. For a crispy topping, broil the skillet in the oven for a few minutes after melting the cheese.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan Skillet over spaghetti or your preferred pasta. Enjoy your delicious meal!