Description
Healthy Chicken Parmesan is a lighter twist on the Italian-American classic. Made with baked—not fried—breaded chicken cutlets, marinara, and mozzarella, it delivers all the cheesy, saucy comfort without the grease. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this dish balances nostalgia with modern healthy eating.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets (about 3 large)
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1/2 cup whole wheat flour
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3 large eggs, whisked
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
For the Breading Mixture:
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1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs, unseasoned
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 tsp dried basil
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2 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Butterfly chicken breasts and pound thin to about 1/4 inch. You should have six cutlets.
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Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, one with breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, parsley, pepper).
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Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Press lightly to adhere.
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Arrange cutlets on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Top each cutlet with 1/4 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
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Broil 2 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
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Serve hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly to ensure juicy, tender results.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor.
Lightly spray with olive oil before baking if you want extra browning.
A good-quality marinara makes all the difference.
Part-skim mozzarella keeps the dish light while still melty.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American