Craving a classic Italian-American dish that's both deliciously satisfying and surprisingly healthy? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan recipe that proves you can have your favorite comfort food without compromising on nutrition. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese that will transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen - all while keeping things light and wholesome!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a shallow dish, combine whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform breading mixture.
- Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better.
- Brush each chicken cutlet lightly with olive oil on both sides. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick and promote even browning.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and even coating. Shake off any excess breading.
- Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced chicken.
- Return to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley, alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Pat the chicken cutlets completely dry before breading to ensure a crisp, even coating that sticks perfectly.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F for optimal browning and crispy texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each cutlet space to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety and juicy results.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture.Pro tip: This recipe is not just delicious, but also a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried Chicken Parmesan, making it perfect for health-conscious food lovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 378kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 115mg
