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Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan

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A lighter take on Chicken Parmesan featuring tender baked chicken breasts coated in whole-wheat breadcrumbs, topped with marinara and melted cheese—comfort food made healthier and satisfying.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian‑American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 cup whole‑wheat breadcrumbs (or whole‑wheat panko)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg (or egg white), beaten for dredging
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
  • 1 cup low‑sodium marinara sauce
  • 1 cup part‑skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease or line a baking sheet.
  2. Pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Set up dredging stations: beaten egg in one bowl, breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and garlic powder in another.
  4. Dip each chicken breast in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
  5. Place breaded breasts on baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon marinara sauce over each breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Return to oven and bake another 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  8. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Stir red pepper flakes into marinara or breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
  • Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
  • Swap part‑skim mozzarella with a mix of mozzarella and feta for tanginess.
  • Use gluten‑free breadcrumbs or almond meal for a gluten‑free version.
  • Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes to keep the crust crisp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/healthy-baked-chicken-parmesan/