Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

What is Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that combines breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It's a popular weeknight meal that's easy to make and a hit with the whole family. Traditionally, the chicken is fried in oil, which can make it quite unhealthy. But there is a healthier way to make this classic dish - baking it! Baking the chicken instead of frying it cuts calories and fat while still delivering great flavor.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 2 cups of marinara sauce; and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, then top with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Adding the Sauce and Cheese

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven. Spread the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the chicken with a side of pasta, a salad, or your favorite vegetable. Enjoy!

Tips

For a fun twist, try substituting the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even feta. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

Conclusion

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and much healthier than the traditional fried version. Plus, it's a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables. Give it a try and see how much your family loves it!