Description
A healthy twist on classic Chicken Parmesan using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs, baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe offers a flavorful, lighter option that's easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or 6 cutlets after pounding)
Bread Crust
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
Toppings
- 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer until about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness, resulting in six cutlets.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls – one with whole wheat flour, one with whisked eggs, and the third with a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Repeat for all cutlets.
- Bake Chicken: Place the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Baking: After 15 minutes, flip each cutlet to the other side and bake for an additional 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle with about ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Switch the oven setting to broil. Place the baking sheet back in the oven for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the healthy chicken Parmesan hot over your choice of pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken cutlets are pounded evenly to avoid undercooked thick spots.
- Use whole wheat ingredients to boost fiber content and add nutritional value.
- Broiling at the end melts the cheese perfectly without overcooking the chicken.
- For extra flavor, fresh basil can be added on top before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.
