Description
This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic Italian favorite. Breaded with a blend of crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, the chicken breasts are baked to perfection, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family meal, it’s a fulfilling and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with your choice of pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to ½-inch thickness
Breading
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup finely crushed cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs (such as almond flour crackers)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings and Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz log of mozzarella cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In one bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cracker crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each butterflied and pounded chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage. Then coat each piece thoroughly with the crumb mixture for a flavorful crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This step cooks the chicken through while developing a crispy crust.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Then switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken Parmesan hot over your favorite pasta or side dish, enjoying the beautifully melted cheese and savory flavors.
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Use crushed almond flour crackers for a gluten-free alternative.
- Watch carefully when broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
