Description
This baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter, healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite by skipping the frying. Tender, breaded chicken cutlets are oven-baked until crispy and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces)
Breading
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil)
- 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Cooking spray
- 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 Breading: In a bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, melt the butter or use olive oil.
- Coat Chicken: Lightly brush the melted butter onto each piece of chicken, then dip it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all pieces.
- Bake Chicken: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken with a little more cooking spray to help crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add Toppings: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle each with 1 1/2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 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 hot.
Notes
- Using cooking spray instead of frying significantly reduces added fat for a healthier dish.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs can be swapped with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Romano cheese for a sharper flavor.
- To keep chicken moist, avoid overbaking and check for internal temperature of 165°F.
- 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
