Name: Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 oz Tyson® Lightly Breaded Strips; 28 oz pasta sauce; 2 cups Mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp fresh basil; 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley; 1 lb thin spaghetti; 1 tbsp olive oil; Herbs

This mouth-watering Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional chicken parmigiana. It's a simple and satisfying comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. With a crispy breaded chicken strip base, smothered in richly flavored pasta sauce and melted cheese, it's sure to be a hit among both kids and adults.

Photos of Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe like chicken strips, pasta sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and thin spaghetti are commonly available in most households or any local supermarket. However, fresh basil and parsley might not be readily available in your pantry, so if you're planning to make this recipe, be sure to add these two on your shopping list. Fresh herbs make a significant difference in enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.

Ingredients for Parmesan Chicken Strips

Tyson® lightly breaded strips: These ready-made chicken strips save time and effort, as they are already seasoned and breaded. However, you can also make your own breaded chicken strips.

Pasta sauce: This gives the dish its rich, tangy tomato flavor. You can use any brand, or even homemade.

Mozzarella cheese: This is what gives the dish its gooey, melty deliciousness. It also pairs wonderfully with the tomato sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty and salty flavor which complements the other ingredients.

Fresh basil: Basil brings a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

Fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, mildly bitter flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Thin spaghetti: This serves as the base for our dish, but you can substitute with any pasta you prefer.

Olive oil: Used to toss the pasta, it prevents sticking and adds a smooth, rich flavor.

Herbs: A blend of Italian herbs or any of your favorite herbs can be used for additional flavor.

One reader, Benyamin Angell says:

This parmesan chicken strips recipe is a game-changer! The chicken comes out perfectly crispy and the cheesy topping is divine. The combination of flavors is simply mouthwatering. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and has become a family favorite in no time. Highly recommended!

Benyamin Angell

Essential Techniques for Making Parmesan Chicken Strips

How to prepare the chicken: The chicken strips need to be cooked in the oven at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes, then topped with pasta sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella, and baked for an additional 5 minutes at 450 degrees F until the cheese is melted.

How to cook the pasta: Boil the thin spaghetti in salted water according to the package directions, then toss the cooked pasta with olive oil.

How to serve: Place a serving of pasta on a plate, top it with a spoonful of pasta sauce, and then add the cheesy chicken breast strips on top.

How To Make Parmesan Chicken Strips

These chicken strips are tastefully topped with Parmesan cheese for a richer meal! Recreate this quick and easy dish at home in under one hour.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

24ozTyson® Lightly Breaded Strips
28ozpasta sauce,(1 jar)
2cupsmozzarella cheese,shredded
¼cupparmesan cheese,shredded
1tbspfresh basil,chopped
1tbspfresh parsley,chopped
1lbthin spaghetti,cooked according to package
1tbspolive oil
herbs,for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Stir the fresh basil and parsley into the pasta sauce. Heat the sauce on low in a large pot.
Place the Tyson® Lightly Breaded Strips on a baking pan, then cook for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven, then turn the oven up to 450 degrees F.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of pasta sauce on each chicken strip. Divide the parmesan and mozzarella over the chicken.
Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Toss the pasta with olive oil.
Place 1 serving of pasta on a plate, top with 1 spoonful of pasta sauce, then the cheesy chicken breast strips.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 673.66kcal
Fat: 28.53g
Saturated Fat: 15.33g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.84g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.08g
Carbohydrates: 70.75g
Fiber: 5.95g
Sugar: 10.28g
Protein: 32.96g
Cholesterol: 83.96mg
Sodium: 1261.25mg
Calcium: 682.19mg
Potassium: 690.87mg
Iron: 6.06mg
Vitamin A: 236.74µg
Vitamin C: 5.09mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Parmesan Chicken Strips

When baking the chicken strips, it's important to ensure they are spread out evenly on the baking pan. This allows for even cooking and prevents the strips from sticking together. Additionally, when adding the pasta sauce and cheese to the chicken, be sure to spread it evenly over each strip. This will ensure each bite is full of flavor. Lastly, when boiling the pasta, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the pasta sauce and grate the cheese in advance to save time when assembling the dish.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize pre-cooked chicken strips to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.

Multitask: While the chicken is baking, boil the pasta and prepare the remaining components to maximize efficiency.

Organize ingredients: Gather and organize all the necessary ingredients and equipment before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure that each step is efficient and that the dish turns out as intended.

Substitute Ingredients For Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe

Tyson® lightly breaded strips - Substitute with homemade breaded chicken strips: You can make your own breaded chicken strips by coating chicken breast strips in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Pasta sauce - Substitute with homemade marinara sauce: Make your own marinara sauce by cooking down tomatoes with garlic, onions, and herbs for a fresher flavor.
Mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar mild flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for mozzarella.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with Pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to Parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
Fresh basil - Substitute with fresh oregano: Oregano has a robust flavor that can complement the dish just like basil.
Fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro can add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish, similar to parsley.
Thin spaghetti - Substitute with angel hair pasta: Angel hair pasta is a fine pasta that cooks quickly and can be used as a substitute for thin spaghetti.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in cooking.
Herbs - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which can be used as a substitute for a mix of individual herbs.

Presenting Parmesan Chicken Strips for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the plating: When presenting the parmesan chicken strips, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Ensure that the chicken strips are neatly arranged and the pasta is delicately twirled for a sophisticated presentation.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese are evenly distributed and create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Emphasize the golden brown color: Highlight the golden brown hue of the chicken strips by placing them on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant colors to stand out and capture the attention of the judges.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the pasta and chicken strips in a visually appealing and symmetrical manner, showcasing attention to detail and precision in the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to breathe and creating a visually striking composition that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the dish, ensuring that it enhances the overall presentation without overshadowing the carefully crafted parmesan chicken strips.
Add a touch of finesse with drizzles: Consider adding a subtle drizzle of olive oil around the plate to elevate the presentation and add a hint of complexity to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: For an extra touch of refinement, consider adorning the plate with delicate and edible flowers, such as chive blossoms or nasturtiums, to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Highlight the sauce: Use a small spoon to delicately drizzle a streak of the pasta sauce on the plate, drawing attention to the rich and flavorful sauce that complements the parmesan chicken strips.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Parmesan Chicken Strips

Oven: An appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Baking pan: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking foods in the oven.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
Bowl: A round, deep dish used for mixing ingredients or serving food.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for making sauces, heating liquids, or cooking small quantities of food.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for picking up and holding food items.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used for grating cheese, vegetables, or other foods.
Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading food.
Pasta pot: A large, deep pot with a strainer insert used for boiling and draining pasta.

Storing and Freezing Parmesan Chicken Strips for Later

To store leftover parmesan chicken strips, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the chicken strips for later use, place the cooled strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the frozen strips to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen parmesan chicken strips can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated chicken strips, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For frozen chicken strips, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen strips on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. No need to thaw the strips before reheating.
Alternatively, you can reheat the parmesan chicken strips in the microwave. Place the strips on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through, being careful not to overheat as this may cause the cheese to become rubbery.

How To Reheat Leftover Parmesan Chicken Strips

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover parmesan chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help maintain the crispiness of the breading while ensuring the chicken is evenly heated.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken strips on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. Be aware that microwaving may result in a softer breading texture.
If you have an air fryer, this is an excellent way to reheat your parmesan chicken strips. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken strips in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the exterior is crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the breading is crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this may cause the breading to become soggy.
If you want to add extra flavor to your reheated parmesan chicken strips, consider topping them with a small amount of fresh parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Interesting Trivia About Parmesan Chicken Strips

Parmesan chicken strips are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. They are a great source of protein and can be served with a variety of sides, making them a versatile and satisfying meal option.

Is Making Parmesan Chicken Strips at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this parmesan chicken strips recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients in your area. The use of Tyson® lightly breaded strips and mozzarella cheese may increase the cost, but the dish can be made more budget-friendly by using generic brands or buying in bulk. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. Considering the flavor, ease of preparation, and the satisfaction it brings, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10.

Are Parmesan Chicken Strips Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for Parmesan chicken strips with pasta is tasty but not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The Tyson lightly breaded strips are likely high in sodium and processed ingredients
The pasta sauce may also contain added sugars and sodium
Using 2 cups of mozzarella cheese adds a significant amount of saturated fat
White pasta is a refined carbohydrate lacking fiber and nutrients

To make this dish healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for grilled or baked chicken breast strips instead of breaded ones to reduce the sodium and processed ingredients
Choose a low-sodium, sugar-free pasta sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices
Reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese to 1 cup or less, and use a part-skim variety to lower the saturated fat content
Swap the thin spaghetti for whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the dish
Add more fresh vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
Use a light hand with the olive oil to keep the overall calorie count in check

By making these adjustments, you can transform this recipe into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your craving for Italian-inspired flavors.

Editor's Opinion on the Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe

The recipe for parmesan chicken strips is a delightful combination of crispy chicken, savory pasta sauce, and gooey cheese. The addition of fresh herbs elevates the flavors, adding a touch of freshness to the dish. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The use of Tyson® lightly breaded strips ensures a convenient and delicious base for the dish. Overall, this recipe promises a satisfying and comforting meal that is sure to please the whole family.

Enhance Your Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and creamy mashed potatoes made with butter, cream, and a hint of garlic for extra flavor.

Grilled Zucchini and Squash: Fresh zucchini and squash slices grilled to perfection with a sprinkle of herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Mixed Berry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A refreshing salad made with a mix of fresh berries, tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.

Homemade Garlic Bread: Slices of crusty bread slathered with garlic butter and toasted to golden perfection for the perfect side to accompany the parmesan chicken strips.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Parmesan Chicken Strips

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and cream creates a rich and velvety texture that will warm you up from the inside out.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This mango salsa chicken is a tropical twist on a classic dish. The sweet and tangy flavors of the mango salsa pair perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, creating a dish that is bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This roasted vegetable quinoa salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty vinaigrette creates a dish that is both hearty and refreshing.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Parmesan Chicken Strips

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and crispy.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers. Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves on toothpicks, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet strawberry topping. Each bite is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors that will leave you wanting another slice.

Why trust this Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delicious meal with Tyson® lightly breaded strips as the star ingredient. The combination of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory flavor, while the addition of fresh basil and fresh parsley brings a burst of freshness. The pasta sauce is carefully infused with aromatic herbs, enhancing the overall taste. The use of olive oil in cooking the thin spaghetti ensures a perfect texture and flavor. Trust in this recipe for a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.

Have you tried making these Parmesan Chicken Strips? Share your experience, tips, and any tweaks you made to the recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

What type of pasta sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta sauce that you prefer. I recommend using a marinara or tomato-based sauce for a classic flavor, but feel free to use your favorite pasta sauce for a personal touch.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can work well with this recipe.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breaded chicken strips and gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the labels on the ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to this dish to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be delicious additions.

Can I prepare the chicken strips in an air fryer instead of the oven?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips in an air fryer following the manufacturer's instructions for cooking breaded chicken. Once cooked, you can proceed with adding the sauce and cheese before melting the cheese in the air fryer.