Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Basil Sauce
Tender grilled chicken breast topped with melted cheese and a vibrant tomato basil sauce, an Australian pub favorite. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 200g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Rub 4 chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 2: While the chicken cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, spoon the tomato basil sauce evenly over each breast. Sprinkle 200g shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Close the grill or place under a broiler for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.