How to Video
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Our easy, healthier Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic recipe that every member of the family will enjoy. You can even prep this meal ahead and freeze for later using our instructions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (sub: gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (crushed in hand)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to season the chicken
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to season the chicken
- 1 large egg
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 - 2 pounds)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (sub: 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, cut into 6 slices)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil that’s been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the egg and a splash of water.
- Slice Chicken Cutlets: On a cutting board, slice chicken in half lengthwise, resulting in 6 thinner chicken breasts (see article for pictures). Season the front and back of each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bread Cutlets: Dip chicken breasts, one at a time, in egg mixture, turning to coat. Allow excess to drip off. Then dip chicken pieces in breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat. Press the mixture onto the chicken so it sticks. Place breaded chicken on the sheet pan.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the thickest piece registers close to 160°F internally with a meat thermometer.
- Add Topping: Top each chicken breast with about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce (enough to mostly cover the piece). Then, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each piece (or 1-2 slices of fresh mozzarella), as well. Put chicken back in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Serve warm over pasta, if desired.
Freezer Instructions
Freeze For Later: Follow Steps 2-4. Place in single layers in a freezer container or flat gallon-sized bag. Divide layers with parchment paper. Seal tightly and freeze. Freeze alongside a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw chicken completely in the refrigerator over night. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Follow Steps 5-7.
Notes/Tips
- Gluten-Free Version: Use or make gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use breadcrumbs plus 1/2 teaspoon salt in place of the Parmesan cheese. Either omit the shredded mozzarella or use a dairy-free version like Daiya brand.
- Serve with Butter Noodles, Texas Toast, and Italian Chopped Salad.
- Short-Cut: Use Italian dried breadcrumbs from the store and omit the garlic power and Italian seasoning
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cutlet | Calories: 351 kcal (18%) | Carbohydrates: 18 g (6%) | Protein: 38 g (76%) | Fat: 13 g (20%) | Cholesterol: 132 mg (44%) | Sodium: 891 mg (39%) | Fiber: 2 g (8%) | Sugar: 4 g (4%)
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