Description
This healthier version of Chicken Parmesan is baked instead of fried, delivering all the crispy, cheesy comfort of the original with less oil and effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces each)
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned dry breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large egg whites
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- ½ cup high-quality jarred tomato sauce (plus more for serving, if desired)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Cooked whole wheat spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or any side of choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. Pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, combine Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, whole wheat panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the egg whites until lightly foamy.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg whites, allowing the excess to drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with nonstick spray.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the crust is golden.
- Remove from oven, spoon about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce on each piece, and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot with your choice of side.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- Try provolone or Italian cheese blends for variation.
- Air fryer method: 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flip, add sauce and cheese, cook 2–3 more minutes.
- Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Great with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
