Guilt-Free Chicken Parmesan
A healthier twist on the classic chicken parmesan, this guilt-free version features lean chicken breasts, zesty marinara, and gooey cheese, making it a balanced meal without the extra calories.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pound to an even thickness.
- 1 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour Use for coating.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with reduced-fat version.
- 2 large eggs Whisked for coating.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For seasoning.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- for light roasting Olive oil or cooking spray For coating the baking sheet.
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 cups marinara sauce (preferably low-sugar) Can enhance with herbs for extra flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Feel free to add more on top if desired.
- Fresh basil (optional) For garnish before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: in the first bowl, place the whole-wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Coating the Chicken
- Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray for added crispness.
Baking
- Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom and place the baked chicken breasts on top.
- Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
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Notes
For maximum flavor, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season them before coating. Enhance the store-bought marinara with herbs and spices for additional flavor.