Keep this super simple recipe in your back pocket for those busy week nights when you just can’t face another plain grocery store rotisserie chicken. In just a short time, you can turn that chicken into an Italian-inspired meal that is quick, healthy and delicious!  This recipe lightens things up by skipping the breading and the frying, but still delivers on the cheesy, tomato-ey, flavours of traditional Chicken Parmesan.

Healthier Chicken Parmesan

Time: 25-30 minutes    Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups of cubed cooked chicken (This is about the amount of meat you’d get from a rotisserie chicken)
• 2 cups of Marinara sauce, homemade or store bought
• 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil, shredded, for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375. Toss chicken with marinara sauce and pour into a 8” or 9” square baking dish.Smooth the top. Sprinkle mozzarella over chicken and sauce, then sprinkle Parmesan over the mozzarella. Bake for 15- 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top (if using) and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

In the spirit of keeping things quick and easy, I like to serve this with a side of spaghetti and steamed green beans.  Serve with extra parmesan on the side for sprinkling.

DRINK PAIRING

The tomato sauce and rich cheeses are a perfect match for a medium-bodied red with good acidity, such as Chianti.  Pinot Noir, though lighter in body, also pairs deliciously!