Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe – Crispy, Cheesy & Healthier Comfort Food
This Baked Chicken Parmesan is a lighter take on the classic Italian comfort dish, made with crispy baked chicken breasts, melty mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner without all the frying.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces each)
- ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large egg whites
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup high-quality jarred tomato sauce plus extra for serving, if desired
- Fresh basil thinly sliced or chopped
- Optional for serving: prepared whole wheat spaghetti zucchini noodles, or enjoy on its own
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together Italian breadcrumbs, Panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken: In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Dip each chicken breast into the egg whites, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the crumbs stick.
- Bake the chicken: Place coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Add sauce and cheese: Spoon tomato sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy on its own or with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes after adding the cheese.
- You can substitute zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.