Healthy Chicken Parmesan Bake (Printer-Friendly)
Tender baked chicken cutlets with whole wheat coating, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or cutlets)
→ Coating
02 -
½ cup whole wheat flour
03 -
3 large eggs
→ Breading Mixture
04 -
1 cup unseasoned whole wheat bread crumbs
05 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
07 -
2 teaspoons dried basil
08 -
2 teaspoons dried parsley
→ Topping
09 -
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 -
1.5 cups marinara sauce
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing each in half lengthwise. Place between plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer until ¼ inch thick, resulting in 6 cutlets.
02 -
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
03 -
Arrange three shallow bowls: one with whole wheat flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
04 -
Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat evenly and gently press into the bread crumb mixture. Place breaded cutlets on the baking sheet.
05 -
Bake the breaded cutlets at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
06 -
Remove the cutlets from the oven and evenly top each with approximately ¼ cup marinara sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
07 -
Return the cutlets to the oven and broil for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
08 -
Serve hot over pasta or with a fresh salad.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Pounding chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents toughness.