Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Smart Ones offers a convenient frozen version of this beloved dish, but how does it stack up against a homemade variant? In this blog post, we'll compare the taste, texture, nutritional value, and cost of each option. Plus, I'll provide a delicious homemade recipe for you to try.

Smart Ones Chicken Parmesan: The Ready-Made Choice

Taste and Texture: Smart Ones Chicken Parmesan features breaded chicken breast, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, served with a side of pasta. The breading on the chicken is crisp, the marinara sauce is tangy, and the cheese is gooey. However, the overall flavor might be a bit bland compared to a freshly made version.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 300

• Total Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 2.5g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 600mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 38g

• Dietary Fiber: 4g

• Sugars: 6g

• Protein: 18g

Smart Ones Chicken Parmesan provides a moderate calorie count with a good balance of macronutrients. However, it is relatively high in sodium.

Homemade Chicken Parmesan: The Fresh Alternative

Homemade Recipe:

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

  • Salt for boiling water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

   • Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

   • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Add Sauce and Cheese:

   • Remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

   • Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Cook the Pasta:

   • While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot over a bed of pasta, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 2 servings):

• Calories: 550

• Total Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 120mg

• Sodium: 750mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 50g

• Dietary Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 7g

• Protein: 40g

The homemade version has a higher calorie and fat content but also offers more protein. It allows for control over ingredients, which can lead to a healthier meal overall.

The Verdict

Taste and Texture: Smart Ones Chicken Parmesan is convenient and flavorful but lacks the depth and freshness of a homemade version. The homemade dish provides richer flavors, a more satisfying texture, and the ability to customize to your taste.

Nutritional Value: The homemade version has higher calories and fat but offers more protein and the potential for lower sodium if you control the salt content. Using fresh ingredients also contributes to a healthier meal.

Cost: Smart Ones offers convenience at a reasonable price, but making a homemade version can be more economical, especially when cooking for multiple people. Plus, you have control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used.

Convenience: Smart Ones wins for convenience, requiring just a few minutes in the microwave or oven. The homemade version takes more time and effort but rewards with superior taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.

In conclusion, if you're in a rush, Smart Ones Chicken Parmesan is a decent choice. However, if you have some extra time to spare, the homemade variant offers a more flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Try the recipe above and experience the difference for yourself!