Oh my goodness, are you ready for some spooky fun in the kitchen? I can hardly contain my excitement because today, we’re diving into a devilishly delicious dish: Eyeball Chicken Parmesan! It’s not just your regular chicken parmesan; it’s a festive twist that will make your Halloween gathering a hit. Just imagine the reactions when you bring out this creepy creation!
I first made this dish a few Halloweens ago when I was hosting a themed dinner party for friends. Let’s just say, the look of horror and delight on their faces was priceless! It’s not only a fun conversation starter but also surprisingly simple to make. So, let’s get cooking because I can’t wait for you to try it!
What’s in Eyeball Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Breasts: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook up tender and juicy, and they create the perfect canvas for our Halloween twist.
Breadcrumbs: For that gorgeous, crispy coating! I usually go with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, as they add a nice flavor.
Marinara Sauce: A classic chicken parmesan staple. You can use store-bought or, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade sauce. Just make sure it’s nice and rich!
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty goodness that ties everything together. Fresh mozzarella works wonders, but pre-shredded is convenient too.
Black Olives: Here’s where the “eyeball” effect comes in! When sliced, they look perfect on top of the cheese for our creepy eyeballs.
Skewers or Toothpicks: We need these to hold our “eyeballs” in place. Don’t forget to have these handy!
Is Eyeball Chicken Parmesan Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health (but in a fun way, of course!).
Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken is great for those looking to build muscle and keep their weight in check.
Marinara Sauce: Packed with tomatoes, which are rich in vitamins C and K, this sauce can add some nutritional value. Just be wary of the added sugars in store-bought varieties.
Cheese: While cheese does contain calcium and protein, moderation is key here. I say, a little gooey goodness is okay for Halloween!
Just keep in mind that the dish can be a bit high in calories due to the breadcrumbs and cheese, so enjoying a serving alongside a fresh salad is a stellar idea.
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves 4)
– 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
– 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup black olives
– Skewers or toothpicks for garnish
How to Make Eyeball Chicken Parmesan?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s a bit of a warm-up for the spooky cooking we’re about to do!
2. Set up your breading station: On one plate, place the breadcrumbs, and on another, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat them well. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet.
4. Pour half of the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, spread it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken. Go wild! We want it to be ooey-gooey!
6. Now, here comes the fun part! Slice the black olives to create “eyeballs” and place them on top of the melted cheese. You can use skewers or toothpicks to secure them if needed.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Finally, drizzle the remaining marinara sauce on top before serving. Don’t forget to make spooky noises!
Spooktacular Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking to level up your Halloween table, serve this Eyeball Chicken Parmesan alongside creepy cauldron potatoes (mashed potatoes with green food coloring!) or a frightfully fun salad with a Halloween theme. You could even use a spider web decoration on the dinner table to set the mood.
For dessert, how about some pumpkin spice cupcakes that look like little pumpkins? The kids will love it, and so will the adults!
I’m so thrilled for you to try this Eyeball Chicken Parmesan! It’s goofy, a little gory, but absolutely delicious. Trust me, after this, your Halloween parties will never be the same again! I’d love to hear how your version turns out, so don’t forget to share your spooky stories. Happy cooking!
