Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a lighter, yet delicious version of classic chicken parmesan, this healthy baked chicken parmesan recipe is perfect for you. It’s baked to crispy perfection, topped with bright marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella for a satisfying dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or 1.5 lbs chicken cutlets)
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts. Slice each breast in half lengthwise to create cutlets, then place between plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer until about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tender chicken.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: Set out three large shallow bowls. Place whole wheat flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and in the third, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken cutlet by first dredging in flour, then dipping in the egg, and finally pressing into the bread crumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat for all cutlets.
5. Step 5: Arrange the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about ¼ cup marinara sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella. Switch your oven to broil and return the cutlets to the oven for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Serve the chicken parmesan hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper before coating.
• You can use regular all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs if whole wheat is unavailable.
• Try fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving for a fresh finish.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, though this hasn’t been tested.
• Use fresh mozzarella slices for a creamier melt instead of shredded cheese.

Storage

Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven to preserve the crispy coating. It is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing is not recommended because it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can baked chicken parmesan be made ahead?

It’s not recommended to bake chicken parmesan ahead of time because it tends to lose its crispy crust and can become soggy when stored.

Is it best to bake healthy chicken parmesan covered or uncovered?

Baking uncovered is best as it allows the chicken to get crispy and the cheese to melt nicely. Covering will trap moisture and result in a soggy texture.

Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Healthy Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender chicken breasts pounded thin, coated in whole wheat flour, eggs, and a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, then baked to crispy perfection. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it delivers all the classic Italian flavors with a lighter, healthier twist by baking instead of frying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large chicken breasts or 6 cutlets)
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Toppings

• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise, then place between plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer until about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness, resulting in six cutlets.
2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare coating bowls: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with whole wheat flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
4. Bread the chicken: Working assembly-line style, dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake the cutlets: Place the breaded cutlets on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Add sauce and cheese: After 30 minutes baking, remove the sheet, top each cutlet generously with about ¼ cup marinara sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Broil the cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven set on broil. Broil for about 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Serve the healthy baked chicken Parmesan over your choice of pasta, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use chicken breast or chicken tenders; chicken thighs are not recommended as they may be too greasy for this recipe.
• Whole wheat flour and bread crumbs add extra nutrition, but all-purpose or regular bread crumbs can be substituted.
• Ensure chicken is pounded thin to prevent toughness and ensure thorough cooking.
• Watch the chicken carefully when broiling cheese to prevent burning.
• For gluten-free, try gluten-free flour and bread crumbs though this has not been tested.
• Best to serve fresh because refrigeration may make the crust soggy.
• Reheat gently in a toaster oven to help retain crispiness.
• Swapping with fresh mozzarella slices can improve melting and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Healthy Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken Parmesan, Light Chicken Parmesan, Whole Wheat Chicken Parmesan, Italian Chicken Dinner, Healthy Dinner Recipe