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Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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3.9 from 11 reviews

This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic Italian favorite. Using a crispy breadcrumb coating and part-skim mozzarella, it's baked to perfection, delivering a flavorful, juicy chicken dish that's quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large egg whites
  • Cooking spray

Toppings

  • 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella (cut into 4 slices or grated)
  • 1/2 cup high-quality jarred tomato sauce (plus extra for serving as desired)
  • Fresh basil (thinly sliced or chopped)

Optional for Serving

  • Prepared whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles, or enjoy on its own

Instructions

  1. Cut and Pound: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 pieces total, then pound each piece to an even 1/2-inch thickness and set aside.
  2. Whisk and Mix: In a wide shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until lightly foamy. Prepare the mozzarella by slicing into 4 pieces or grating and dividing evenly.
  3. Dredge the Chicken: Set up a workstation with the pounded chicken, egg whites, breadcrumb mixture, and baking sheet. Dip each chicken piece in the egg whites, shaking off excess, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick on all sides.
  4. Bake First Stage: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake in the oven until the chicken registers 160°F internally and the crumbs turn golden brown, about 15 minutes.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce over each piece and top with a slice or portion of mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese melts, approximately 3-5 minutes longer.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly sliced basil over the baked chicken Parmesan and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with whole wheat spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or enjoy the dish on its own with extra sauce as desired.

Notes

  • Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
  • Using part-skim mozzarella helps reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.
  • The internal temperature of 160°F is safe as carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  • Whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch and extra fiber.
  • Optional serving with zucchini noodles makes this dish lower in carbs.

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