Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter, healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite by baking the breaded chicken cutlets instead of frying. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces)
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (such as 4C, or gluten-free crumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil)
Toppings and Garnish
- 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded, such as Polly-o)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Cooking spray
- Basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, melt the butter or olive oil.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly brush each chicken piece with the melted butter, then dip it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all pieces.
- Initial Baking: Lightly spray a little more cooking spray over the coated chicken pieces to help them brown and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top each with 1 1/2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Using the oven instead of frying keeps this Chicken Parmesan lighter without sacrificing flavor or crispiness.
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Part-skim mozzarella helps reduce the fat content while maintaining great taste and meltability.
- Make sure to lightly spray the baking sheet and chicken to help achieve a crispy texture.
- Feel free to serve this dish with pasta, a side salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 447 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 98.5 mg
