Description
This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a lighter twist on the classic Italian-American dish. Instead of frying, the chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful mixture of crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, then baked to perfection and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This recipe offers a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, delivering all the classic flavors with less fat and calories.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to ½-inch thickness
- 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
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz log of mozzarella cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick slices
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Coatings and Dip Chicken: Whisk the eggs in one bowl to make an egg wash. In another bowl, combine the crushed cracker crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning thoroughly. Dip each butterflied chicken breast first into the egg wash, then into the crumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Lay the breaded chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the coating starts to crisp and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Broil: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Return 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 mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the chicken hot, ideally over your favorite pasta or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Using crushed cracker crumbs or almond flour crackers adds a flavorful and lighter coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
- Keep a close eye during broiling as cheese can burn quickly.
- This dish pairs well with spaghetti or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven to retain crispiness.
