Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This Healthy Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter take on the classic Italian-American favorite by using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs, baking instead of frying, and adding a flavorful blend of herbs. Juicy chicken cutlets are coated in a crunchy, Parmesan-infused crust, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious, guilt-free meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken and Breading
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or chicken cutlets)
- 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 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- Butterfly and pound chicken breasts: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place the cutlets between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about ¼ inch thick for even cooking.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with whole wheat flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
- Bread the chicken cutlets: Dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Bake the breaded cutlets: Place the coated chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip each cutlet and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add sauce and cheese: Remove the cutlets from the oven and spoon marinara sauce evenly over each one. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Broil until cheese melts: Switch the oven to broil. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the healthy chicken Parmesan hot, ideally over cooked pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra moisture, brine the chicken cutlets in saltwater for 15 minutes before breading.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Whole wheat ingredients increase fiber for a healthier twist.
- Adjust herbs and spices to your taste preferences.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance and baked when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Healthy Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken Parmesan, Low Fat Chicken Recipe, Italian Chicken Dish, Whole Wheat Chicken Parmesan