Description
A lighter version of the classic Chicken Parmesan, featuring crispy baked chicken cutlets topped with fresh marinara sauce and melty mozzarella. This guilt-free dish delivers all the flavor with less oil and calories—perfect for a healthy yet satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and halved)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking)
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (low-sodium, no added sugar)
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In one bowl, whisk egg.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake Until Crispy:
- Place chicken on the baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
- Add Marinara & Cheese:
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve with zucchini noodles, whole wheat pasta, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat.
- Swap mozzarella for part-skim ricotta for a unique twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
