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Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

This Healthy Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter take on the classic Italian dish by using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs, baking instead of frying, and layering with flavorful herbs and mozzarella cheese. Perfectly pounded chicken cutlets are breaded, baked until crispy, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious, guilt-free meal.

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large or 6 cutlets after pounding)

Breading:

  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Topping & Sauce:

  • 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing each one in half lengthwise, like opening a book. Place the cutlets between plastic wrap and pound them with a meat tenderizer until about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness, resulting in 6 cutlets.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease clean-up.
  3. Prepare Breading Stations: Set out three shallow bowls. Put whole wheat flour in the first bowl, whisked eggs in the second, and a mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley in the third.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Create an assembly line by coating each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dipping it into the egg, and finally pressing it into the bread crumb mixture to ensure an even coating. Repeat for all cutlets.
  5. Bake the Cutlets: Arrange the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 425°F for 15 minutes, then flip each cutlet to the other side and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce over each cutlet, followed by a generous ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Broil to Melt Cheese: Switch the oven setting to broil and return the baking sheet to the oven. Broil the chicken cutlets for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Butterflied and pounded chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
  • Whole wheat flour and bread crumbs boost fiber and nutrition compared to traditional white versions.
  • Using the broiler at the end melts the cheese quickly and adds a nice golden finish.
  • Make sure not to skip flipping the chicken halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.

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