HEALTHY BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN WITH MOZZARELLA
This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan With Mozzarella is a wholesome and protein-packed take on the beloved Italian-American classic dish, which uses whole wheat breadcrumbs and baking instead of frying. This dish delivers the crispy texture and rich flavour while keeping it light and nutritious. It is topped with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, melted part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect balance of savoury, cheesy and tangy goodness. This recipe is ideal for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, which pairs wonderfully with whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles or a fresh side salad with minimal ingredients. This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan With Mozzarella is easy to prepare without sacrificing flavour, whether you’re looking for a healthier comfort food option or a delicious high-protein meal. This recipe is sure to become a household favourite. This recipe is served fresh out of the oven for the ultimate crispy and cheesy experience.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Bake, Roast
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Family Reunion, Casual Dinner, Date Night
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Main Course
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for the preparation of Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan With Mozzarella:
- 120 grams | 4.23 ounces | 1 small chicken breast
- 8 grams | 0.28 ounces | 1 tablespoon whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 5 grams | 0.18 ounces | 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 125 milliliters | 4.23 fluid ounces | ½ cup marinara sauce
- 28 grams | 0.99 ounces | ¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
- 0.50 grams | 0.02 ounces | ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 395 kilocalories
- Protein: 48.9 grams
- Carbohydrate: 18.7 grams
- Sugar: 7.5 grams
- Fibre: 2.5 grams
- Fat: 13.6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6.1 grams
- Sodium: 731 milligrams
- Potassium: 707 milligrams
- Calcium: 303 milligrams
- Iron: 2.7 milligrams
PREPARATION
- Preheat The Oven: Set the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare The Coating: In a small bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Coat The Chicken: Lightly brush the chicken breast with olive oil or cooking spray, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake The Chicken: Place the coated chicken breast on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add The Toppings: Spoon marinara sauce over the baked chicken and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve And Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
25 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan With Mozzarella:
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-packaged cheese enhances the flavour.
- Make It Crispier: Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking for an extra crispy texture.
- Prevent Sogginess: Avoid adding marinara sauce too early to keep the breadcrumb coating crisp.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
- Pair It Right: Serve with whole wheat pasta, roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles for a balanced meal.
VARIATIONS
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese entirely.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace whole wheat breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Extra Herbs: Mix in chopped fresh basil or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic touch.
- Low-Carbohydrate Version: Serve with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked breaded chicken for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 to 7 minutes to the cooking time.
- Meal Preparation Friendly: Cook and store in portions for easy and high-protein meals throughout the week.
