Description
This Healthy Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic Italian favorite by using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs, lean chicken breasts, and baking instead of frying. Coated in a flavorful herb and parmesan crust, then topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, this dish is delicious, satisfying, and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large chicken breasts or 1.5 lbs chicken cutlets)
Dredging & Coating
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 3 large eggs (for egg wash)
- 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 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts by slicing each in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat tenderizer until about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Set out three shallow bowls: first with whole wheat flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
- Coat the Chicken: Create an assembly line to dredge each cutlet. First, coat in flour, then dip into the egg wash, followed by pressing into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Repeat for all cutlets.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then flip each cutlet and bake for another 15 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the pan and top each cutlet with about ¼ cup marinara sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Switch your oven setting to broil and return the chicken cutlets to the oven for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, ideally over cooked pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Be sure to pound the chicken thinly for even cooking and tenderness.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Keep an eye on the chicken during broiling since the cheese can burn quickly.
- You can substitute the whole wheat bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs to make it gluten-free.
- Serve with your favorite pasta or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
