Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic favorite by skipping frying and baking the chicken cutlets instead. The chicken breasts are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, baked until crispy, then topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a moist, flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8)
Breading
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (such as 4C, or gluten free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil)
Toppings
- 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded, such as Polly-o)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Other
- Cooking spray
- Basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, melt the butter to brush onto the chicken for better adhesion of the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly brush the melted butter onto each chicken piece. Then dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place each breaded chicken piece onto the prepared baking sheet, repeating this step with all pieces.
- Initial Baking: Lightly spray a little more cooking spray on top of the breaded chicken pieces to help them crisp up, then bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece and then top each with 1 1/2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free or lighter fat option.
- Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content while still maintaining creaminess.
- Spraying both the baking sheet and the top of the breaded chicken helps achieve a crispy crust without frying.
- Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad 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
