Description
A hearty and wholesome low-carb Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan Bake layered with roasted vegetables, tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese-perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 medium to large unpeeled eggplant, sliced into 8 rounds (each ¾ to 1 inch thick)
1 to 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 4 to 8 pieces
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
12 to 16 grape or cherry tomatoes
2 cups marinara sauce (low-sugar, clean label)
½ cup grated Tillamook Parmesan cheese (vegetarian rennet)
½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese or 4 slices Tillamook provolone
Torn fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Place an oven rack on the second highest position and preheat the broiler.
2. Mist 2 baking sheets with nonstick oil spray. Place the eggplant slices on one sheet and the chicken pieces on the other.
3. Mist the tops with oil spray and sprinkle with garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Broil for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip eggplant halfway through. Thin chicken breast may finish around 10 minutes. Remove when internal temp reaches 165°F.
5. Remove sheets from the oven and adjust the temperature to 400°F.
6. Rearrange eggplant slices to leave an empty row on the baking sheet. Add 2 tablespoons marinara sauce to the empty space and top with one eggplant slice.
7. Layer with 1 piece of chicken, 1 tablespoon marinara, ½ tablespoon Parmesan, and a second eggplant slice.
8. Add another tablespoon of marinara, 2–3 grape tomatoes, 1 tablespoon mozzarella (or a slice of provolone), and a final sprinkle of Parmesan.
9. Repeat for all stacks. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option.
Look for vegetarian-rennet cheeses like Tillamook or Cabot for this recipe.
Use a clean marinara sauce with no added sugar for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American