Nutrition guru Joy Bauer has always been someone who inspires me – especially when it comes to throwing a dinner party featuring a main course that’s as delicious as it is healthy. And lucky for us Just Stoppers, Joy has graciously allowed me to feature another of her delicious recipes from her new best-seller, From Junk Food to Joy Food, here. This Grilled Chicken Parm recipe is as drool-worthy as it looks. Plus, it’s super easy to make (for yourself, for family or for guests). And bonus! We don’t have to “go off” of our diets or healthy eating plans to make and enjoy it. Joy also uses all natural ingredients in the recipe, which is always a big plus.

From Junk Food to Joy Food is loaded with these kinds of recipe makeovers — the kind that take everyday favorites (usually loaded with calories, salt, etc.) and swaps them out for brand new, healthier versions of the recipes (each of which guarantees the same amount of flavor and satisfaction — but without the food hangover). And no, this is not a paid endorsement. Although I’d happily bribe Joy for being kind enough to let me share this recipe with all of you.

For more information on From Junk Food to Joy Food, click here. And for more recipes and tips from Joy herself, you can click to her website. In the meantime, if you try the recipe below, please be sure to invite me over for dinner! (That’s not too much to ask, is it?)

JOY BAUER’S GRILLED CHICKEN PARM
Junk Food version (before): 1,000 calories
Joy Food version (after): 310 calories

Ingredients:
Four 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
Dried oregano (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:
Grill the chicken breasts or sauté them over medium heat in a skillet coated with nonstick oil spray for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until they are no longer pink in the center.

Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat the foil with nonstick oil spray.

Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons marinara sauce, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Place the chicken under the broiler until the cheese is hot and bubbly (or microwave it for 30 to 60 seconds to melt the cheese).

(Makes 4 servings.)

Photo Credit: Joy Bauer