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Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

4.9 from 12 reviews

A healthy take on the classic Chicken Parmesan, using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs, baked to perfection for a crispy, flavorful dish that’s lighter yet rich in flavor. This recipe features tender chicken cutlets coated with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a wholesome family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or 6 cutlets)

Coating

  • 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

Topping

  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Butterfly and Pound Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Place them between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat tenderizer until about ¼ inch thick to ensure tender and even cooking, resulting in 6 cutlets.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Bowls for Breading: Arrange three shallow bowls for the breading process: one with whole wheat flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third with a mixture of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
  4. Bread the Cutlets: Coat each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, followed by pressing into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, thorough coating on all sides.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each cutlet and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: After 30 minutes of baking, spoon about ¼ cup marinara sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Broil to Melt Cheese: Turn the oven to broil and return the baking sheet to melt the cheese for about 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Serve: Serve the healthy chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Notes

  • For even thinner cutlets, make sure to pound chicken uniformly to avoid undercooked parts.
  • Using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs boosts dietary fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white versions.
  • You can substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs for more vibrant flavor.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, whole wheat chicken parmesan, easy chicken recipe, healthy Italian dinner