pizza-fied chicken

I literally could eat pizza every single day of the week...but don't, thank goodness!!!  I think twice when I visualize one of my favorite reminders..."you are what you eat!"

As children, my sister, two brothers and I couldn't wait for the invitation from my grandmother that it was pizza night!  Walking into my grandparent's home, you immediately felt the warmth from the scent of homemade dough, and my grandmother's incredible tomato sauce simmering in a big pot on the stove.  The spicy Italian sausage, cooked earlier, was draining on paper towels, and the fresh, creamy white mozzarella was waiting to be shredded.  Large rectangular cookie sheets were sitting on the counter drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with cornmeal, waiting patiently for the pizza dough to line them.  Like most Italians, my grandmother was cooking enough for an army!  Oh, the lovely memories...

Since it's hard for me to stop at one or two slices, I have a favorite creation that I make at least once a month, usually more, to take my pizza love's place, and absolutely adore it!  The recipe is from Hungry Girl's cookbook, 1-2-3: The Easiest, Most Delicious, Guilt-Free Recipes on the Planet.  Yes, the book title is a mouthful, but so true to its name.

The original recipe is written for one, but since it's just as easy to create four "pizzas" at a time, I've adjusted the recipe below to serve 4.  Pizza-fied Chicken is absolutely delicious!  Are you ready for the greatest part?  The entire, scrumptious dish is ONLY 282 calories!!!  A whole, healthy, filling, mouthwatering meal for only 282 calories!  In addition, one entire serving is 5.75g fat, 2g fiber and 44g protein.  How 'bout that for an incredible pizza substitute!

pizza-fied chicken toppings

I thought it would be fun, and maybe appreciated :), to bring some of my favorite skinny, easy to prepare meals from time to time, in between some of my delectable sweet and savory creations, just to balance things out. Hope you enjoy this yummy Pizz-fied Chicken as much as I do.

Are you ready for some lemon?  Next up...Limoncello Mini Bundt Cakes with Limoncello Glaze!

Until next time...mangia!  xox

Carol

Pizza-fied Chicken

4 Servings

Ingredients:

4 (5 ounce) raw boneless, skinless lean chicken breast cutlets, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness

1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning chicken, plus 1 teaspoon for seasoning tomatoes, or to taste

1 teaspoon onion powder for seasoning chicken, plus 1 teaspoon for seasoning tomatoes, or to taste

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for seasoning chicken, and seasoning tomatoes

1 cup diced green bell pepper

1 cup sliced or roughly chopped mushrooms (I use baby bellas)

8 tablespoons diced onion (approximately 1 medium onion)

4 sticks light string cheese

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes

16 slices turkey pepperoni, chopped (I use Hormel 70% less fat turkey pepperoni)

4 teaspoons freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano

fresh basil leaves for chicken topping, and garnish, optional (my addition, not on original recipe)

crushed red pepper to taste for garnish, optional

Create the Pizza-fied Chicken:

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and ground pepper.  Set aside.

Bring 1 large skillet, sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove.  Cook bell pepper, mushrooms, and onion until softened, 4 to 6 minutes.  Remove from pan and set aside.

In same skillet, cook chicken until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.  Remove from heat.

Place crushed tomatoes in a small bowl and season to taste with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground pepper.  Evenly spoon seasoned tomatoes onto chicken in skillet.  If desired, put 2 or three leaves of fresh basil over tomatoes.  Tear string cheese into pieces and place over the tomatoes.

Top chicken with vegetables and turkey pepperoni.  Return to heat, cover with a lid and continue to cook until toppings are hot, and the cheese softens, approximately 2 - 3 minutes.

Plate your pizza-fied chicken, and sprinkle with freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano.  Garnish with crushed red pepper and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

My revision:  You are what you eat.  So I am skinny Pizza-fied Chicken! ;)  - quote courtesy of ffffound.com