Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter, healthier twist on the classic favorite by baking instead of frying. Featuring breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese, this dish is moist, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: Combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl to create the breading.
- Coat Chicken: Melt the butter in a separate bowl. Lightly brush the melted butter onto each piece of chicken, then dip the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Place breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Initial Baking: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken with a bit more cooking spray to encourage browning. Bake the chicken 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.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally, garnish the baked chicken parmesan with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken parmesan by baking the chicken instead of frying it.
- Using part-skim mozzarella keeps the fat content lower while still providing delicious cheese melt.
- If desired, gluten free breadcrumbs can be used to accommodate dietary needs.
- Brushing the chicken with melted butter helps the breading crisp nicely in the oven.
- Cooking spray on top of the breaded chicken encourages a golden, crunchy crust.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by slicing into the thickest part; internal temperature should reach 165°F.
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
