Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bunless Burgers on Zoodles

 We are always looking for multi dimensional meals that add extra veggies to substitute for the bread component - to add extra nutrition and keep calories in check.

I got this idea from the Tasty app, but changed it up a bit and love the texture difference with the zoodles. I promise you that you will not miss the bread! Feel free to exchange riced cauliflower, spaghetti squash or even toasted buns for the zoodles.

We had our son (Tom) and his girlfriend (Paige) down this summer and always cook new things with them. Showing them that this comes together in a snap, is healthy and incredibly delicious were added benefits. Breading the burgers and frying them for a bit adds such a great, unexpected crunch and is genius! Enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bunless Burgers on Zoodles

Breading

1/2 cup bread crumbs plain or seasoned

1/2 teaspoon salt - I used Badia Complete Seasoning as I like its flavor profile

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley

Burger

1 pound ground chicken

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh if you have it)

2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley

2 cloves chopped garlic

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon oil

4 slices mozzarella cheese

1 cup marinara sauce - I am hoping Lois posts her amaing homemade recipe as it is to die for!

Zoodles

2 zucchini squash - spiraled or peeled in thin strips using vegetable peeler

1 clove chopped garlic

2 teaspoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix breading items in medium size bowl and set aside.

Mix all burger ingredients together, except chicken. Add chicken, and using your fingers, lightly combine until just mixed, being careful not to overwork the chicken.

Divide into 4 servings and create burger patties

Carefully dredge in breading mixture, pressing into burger and set each one on baking sheet

Heat oil in sauce pan and brown patties on both sides for 4 minutes each.

Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until done, adding a slice of mozzarella 5 minutes before done

While the burgers are baking, heat up marinara sauce in microwave or stove and heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a saucepan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add zoodles and saute until just al dente, about 3 minutes.

When burgers are done, plate 1/4 of the zoodles on each plate, top with burger and drizzle 1/4 of the marinara sauce on each burger. Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.