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Healthy oven baked chicken parmesan served with a side of vegetables

Healthy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

A lighter, oven-baked version of the classic chicken parmesan that combines cheesy goodness with whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use thinly pounded chicken breasts for even cooking.
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs For extra crunch, mix in a small handful of panko.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Choose a simple marinara for best flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Part-skim keeps the dish lighter.
  • Olive oil spray For coating the chicken.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
  3. Spray the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil and coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to adhere.
  4. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced at least an inch apart. Spray the top with olive oil spray.
Baking
  1. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, checking temperature (should be 155–160°F) before resting.
  2. Spoon about 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with mozzarella cheese.
  3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F.
  4. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top, being careful to watch closely.
Serving
  1. Serve warm. Options for serving include over pasta, with a salad, or on a ciabatta sandwich.

Notes

For a different flavor, try adding red pepper flakes to the marinara or using basil pesto instead.