Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite by baking breaded chicken cutlets instead of frying them. The chicken breasts are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, baked until golden and juicy, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously comforting meal.
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 breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil)
- cooking spray
Topping
- 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded, such as Polly-o)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating: In a bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, melt the butter or use olive oil.
- Coat Chicken: Lightly brush each chicken piece with the melted butter, then dip into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Chicken: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle about 1 1/2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each.
- Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- This recipe is a lighter alternative to traditional fried Chicken Parmesan, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful through baking.
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free if needed.
- Using part-skim mozzarella reduces fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- For added flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve with a side of pasta, 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
