Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a lighter and healthier twist on a classic Italian-American dish! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Choice: Made with a lighter breading and baked instead of fried, this Chicken Parmesan is a healthier alternative to the traditional version.
  • Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
  • Versatile: Serve this Baked Chicken Parmesan with your favorite sides, such as pasta, zucchini noodles, or a side salad. It’s also great for meal prepping or freezing for later.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
  • Eggs: Used to help the breading adhere to the chicken.
  • Cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs: Crushed and used to create a crispy coating. You can also use almond flour crackers for a gluten-free option.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the breading.
  • Salt and pepper: Season the chicken and breading to perfection.
  • Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs to the breading.
  • Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Sliced and adds a cheesy and gooey topping.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Breading

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ยฝ inch. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the cracker crumbs (or breadcrumbs), grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.

Step 3: Coat and Bake the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast in the egg wash, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Top each chicken breast with about โ…“ cup of marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Broil and Serve

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Then, broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and serve immediately over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or with a side salad.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Pound the chicken evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly.
  • Use high-quality cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh mozzarella cheese will have the best flavor and melt beautifully.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Bake just until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
  • Broil with caution: Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • Make ahead: You can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is delicious with a variety of sides:

  • Pasta: Serve the chicken parmesan over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
  • Zucchini Noodles: For a healthier and lower-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles.
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350ยฐF until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of cracker crumbs or almond flour?

Yes, you can! However, cracker crumbs or almond flour offer a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.

3. Can I make this recipe without the marinara sauce?

Yes, you can! You can simply bake the breaded chicken cutlets and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken or breading?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a lighter version of a classic Italian-American dish. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and flavorful ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Bake, Broil
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a lighter and healthier twist on a classic Italian-American dish! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy crust and baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup finely crushed cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs (such as almond flour crackers)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 oz log of mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Bread Chicken: In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, combine cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dip each chicken cutlet in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the crumb mixture.
  3. Bake: Arrange breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
  4. Top and Finish: Remove from oven and top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 minutes, then broil for 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. Serve: Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • You can use any type of breadcrumb or cracker crumbs you like.
  • If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley for garnish.
  • For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
  • Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce and cheese
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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