Healthier Chicken Parmesan
This recipe lightens up the classic Chicken Parmesan by using leaner ingredients and baking instead of frying.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinned to ½ inch thickness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even ½ inch thickness. In a shallow bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken breasts in the mixture to coat.
- In another shallow bowl, combine whole wheat breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat firmly.
- Arrange breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- While chicken bakes, simmer crushed tomatoes in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove chicken from oven and top each breast with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve immediately with remaining marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips:
- To thin chicken breasts evenly, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- For a crispier crust, spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them for a few minutes longer, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with breaded eggplant slices.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of marinara sauce and cheese to your liking.
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