Chicken Parmigiana Subs

Well, we must add this one to the totally awesome go-to weekly meals. 

It is simple, easy to make, and BEYOND delicious.

Truth be told, I thought about eating this sub the entire day. 

Seriously.

 It was a craving that I just had to satisfy and it was worth oh so worth it.

Also, I know I have said this before but truly slow cookers/crock-pots are a gift from above.  Easy assembly, easy cook, easy clean up. What more could you ask for?

So I give you this delicious sub. 

Ingredients: 
3 chicken breast, frozen or thawed
11.5 oz of your favorite Marinara sauce (so, half of a 23oz jar)
1 tbs garlic powder
1/2 of an onion, chopped
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp salt
1/8 cup water

4-6 sub rolls (thick, to hold the juices)
Parmesan cheese, powered
mozzarella cheese, slice
Optional: 2 tbs butter, melted

Directions:
Pour your sauce into the slow cooker. Add the spices and water stir  together. Then lay your chicken on top. 
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Shred chicken with a fork and stir all together.
You can either start plating now or let it sit a bit longer on warm to help reduce some of the juices.

Optional: Toast your roll.
Slice open your roll and add melted butter. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 2 min or until edges are a nice golden brown. 

Add chicken marinara to half of the toasted sub.
Then sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and then lay a slice of mozzarella on top of that.

Broil again for 2 min or until cheese is melted over sub. 

Top with the other half of the toasted roll and ENJOY! 

Healthy Chicken Parmesan

I'm all about the "nothing is off limits" rule for dieting because for me that is deprivation and my body just wants it more if I deny it.... 

So I found a healthier way to eat this normally FAT and CARB loaded dinner

for easy cost of only 255 cal a piece of chicken: smothered in bread, sauce, and cheese...I know, just trust me and read on...

Healthy Chicken Parmesan

adapted from Feedingmytemple.com

Ingredients:

• (4) 4oz chicken breasts thawed

• 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs  (I just used plain and seasoned myself with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if you did what I did above add if you like the extra taste!)

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings (same....add if you want extra)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (make sure if using fresh they are grated small...I had to break mine into small pieces)

• 1 1/2-2 tbsp butter, melted  (I used Parkay...you can use 2 egg whites to sub)

• 3/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese (OR just more Parmesan. that's what I did)

• 1 cup marinara or your favorite spaghetti sauce (Again I made my own with tomato paste, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.)

• cooking spray ( used our MISTO!)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°.
 Line large baking sheet with foil (easy clean up) and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings in a bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave in another bowl (this is usually melted after about 20 seconds, so watch it closely.) If using egg whites just place in bowl. Lightly brush the butter or egg whites onto the chicken, then dip into breadcrumb/cheese mixture. 

Place on baking sheet and repeat with the remaining 3 pieces of chicken.

Lightly spray a little more cooking spray on top (this makes it nice and crispy) and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. 
 Remove chicken from oven and spoon sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella or Extra Parmesan cheese and bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

ENJOY!!!!