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Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic Italian comfort food. By baking instead of frying and using whole wheat ingredients, it provides a delicious, crispy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a nutritious dinner. Coated with a flavorful breading mixture and topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, it’s an easy recipe that yields juicy, tender chicken breasts with a perfect balance of herbs and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large or 6 cutlets)
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce

Breading Mixture

  • 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. Prepare Chicken: Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise to create cutlets about ¼ inch thick. Place cutlets between plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound evenly. This ensures even cooking and tender texture.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  3. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with whole wheat flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the bread crumb mixture (combine whole wheat bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley).
  4. Bread the Chicken: Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge it in flour, dip it into the eggs, then coat it thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the breading well. Repeat for all cutlets.
  5. Bake the Cutlets: Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip the cutlets carefully, then bake for an additional 15 minutes until cooked through and golden.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about ¼ cup marinara sauce on top of each cutlet, then sprinkle roughly ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Switch oven to broil.
  7. Broil to Melt Cheese: Return the chicken to the oven and broil for 2 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted with slight browning.
  8. Serve: Serve the baked chicken parmesan hot, over your choice of pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Butterflying and pounding the chicken ensures thin, even cutlets that cook evenly and stay tender.
  • Using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white flour.
  • Be careful while broiling to avoid burning the cheese; watch closely for a bubbly golden finish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute whole wheat flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy baked chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, baked chicken recipe, whole wheat chicken parmesan, light chicken parmesan

Find it online: https://topreci.com/healthy-baked-chicken-parmesan-recipe/