Description
This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter twist on a classic Italian favorite by baking instead of frying. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful mixture of crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, then baked and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious, guilt-free meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to ½-inch thickness
Breading
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup finely crushed cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs (such as almond flour crackers)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz log of mozzarella cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick slices
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Bread Chicken: In one bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dip each butterflied and pounded chicken breast first into the egg wash, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to cook through and crisp up the coating.
- Top and Finish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast then place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
- Broil for Melty Cheese: Turn the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot over your favorite pasta or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use almond flour crackers for a gluten-free version.
- To make this dish lower in fat, opt for part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are an even thickness to guarantee even cooking.
- Watch carefully during broiling as the cheese can burn quickly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
