Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
A healthier twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan, this recipe uses whole wheat flour and bread crumbs for added fiber and nutrients, baked to perfection with a crispy coating and topped with melted mozzarella and savory marinara sauce. Perfect for a satisfying and nutritious family dinner.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large chicken breasts OR 1.5 lbs chicken cutlets)
Dredging
- 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
Toppings
- 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise, placing them between plastic wrap, and using a meat tenderizer to flatten to about ¼ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness, resulting in 6 cutlets.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—place whole wheat flour in the first, whisk the 3 eggs in the second, and mix bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley in the third.
- Coat Chicken: Using the assembly line, dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating evenly. Repeat for all cutlets.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the breaded cutlets on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip each cutlet carefully and bake for another 15 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
- Add Toppings and Broil: After 30 minutes of baking, spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce on each cutlet, then sprinkle ¼ cup shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Switch the oven to broil and place the cutlets under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- You can substitute plain bread crumbs if whole wheat is unavailable, but whole wheat adds fiber.
- Keep an eye on the chicken during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Serve with a side of whole wheat pasta or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: Healthy Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken Parmesan, Whole Wheat Chicken Parmesan, Low Fat Italian Dinner, Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe