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    Home » Healthy Chicken Recipes » Baked Chicken Parmesan

    Baked Chicken Parmesan

    Published: Nov 17, 2022 by Tammy Overhoff

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This 5-star baked chicken parmesan recipe starts with tender chicken cutlets dredged in tasty breadcrumbs, smothered in sauce and cheese, then baked to perfection. This healthy chicken parmesan recipe is your new dinner-time favorite! You won’t even know it’s baked. It’s the best chicken parmesan!

    overhead view of chicken parmesan recipe.

    This post contains affiliate links. I am an affiliate for Amazon Associates and other brands and earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. You’re by no means obligated to use my links but, if you do, thank you for supporting Organize Yourself Skinny.

    I’ve been making this baked chicken parmesan recipe for YEARS, along with baked eggplant parmesan, healthy baked ziti, and healthy fettuccine alfredo. 

    But today, I’m going to show you how to make a baked chicken parmesan recipe so delicious that you’ll never believe it’s lower in fat and calories than the original. 

    My easy chicken parmesan recipe is baked in the oven and not fried, which means it uses less oil than classic chicken parmesan. It’s easy to prepare during the week but can still have its place for Sunday dinner! 

    Jump to:
    • Reasons you’ll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
    • Supplies
    • Serving suggestions
    • Cooking Tips
    • Make-ahead and Storage
    • FAQs
    • More healthy chicken recipes
    • Baked Chicken Parmesan
    • Did you make this recipe?

    Reasons you’ll love this recipe

    • Three words, skinny chicken parmesan. Need I say more? If you thought Italian food was off-limits, you’d be happy to know this recipe won’t ruin your weight loss efforts. It’s high in protein and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Boost the fiber by serving with veggies!
    • Super easy to prepare. Baking chicken breasts instead of frying keeps the mess to a minimum and saves time. 
    • 30-minute chicken dinner. The chicken breasts are pounded into thin cutlets, reducing cooking time and getting dinner on within 30 minutes.
    • You can make this recipe ahead of time. You can shave time off by preparing the chicken breasts to be oven-ready or make the chicken parmesan entirely ahead of time and warm up for a quick and easy dinner during the week. I’ll give more meal prep tips below.

    Ingredients

    • Boneless skinless chicken breasts. Using a meat tenderizer, I will pound thicker breasts into cutlets; this helps to tenderize the chicken and reduces the cooking time for parmesan chicken. You can also use chicken tenders.
    • Wholegrain breadcrumbs. When creating a healthier version of a classic, the flavor is everything. Seasoned breadcrumbs often have additives, flavors, and preservatives. So, to keep the recipe clean, I purchase unseasoned whole-grain breadcrumbs and then mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper to create homemade Italian breadcrumbs. If you use store-bought seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, stir in some grated cheese to elevate the flavor.
    • Olive oil. A traditional chicken parmesan recipe is fried in oil and smothered in sauce and cheese. Since we are trying to make this a healthy chicken parmesan recipe, we will skip the frying part. Coating the baking sheet with olive oil will keep the chicken from sticking and give the chicken a nice brown “fried” look and taste. Some baked chicken parmesan recipes call for cooking spray, but olive oil works best to achieve a flavorful crispy coating.
    • Marinara sauce. For this chicken parmesan recipe, you’ll need ¾ cup of store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. I strongly recommend using a high-quality spaghetti sauce if you don’t use homemade. My favorite jarred sauces are Rao Marinara Sauce and Thrive Market Sicilian Gravy. However, any tomato sauce will work.
    • Mozzarella cheese. It’s not chicken parmesan without cheese; I used shredded mozzarella or slices of fresh mozzarella. Cheese can add a lot of extra fat and calories if you’re not intentional with the amount. So, regardless of the type of cheese used, make sure to portion it out before adding it to the chicken and sauce. 

    How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

    • Put the bread crumb mixture together. Mix the bread crumbs, seasoning, and parmesan cheese in a medium bowl.
    • Trim the chicken breasts and then, using a meat mallet, pound out each chicken breast into cutlets. The chicken breasts need to be the same size to cook evenly. 
    • Coat a sheet pan with olive oil. I find it helpful to use a pastry brush with this step.
    • Dredge each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture and place it on the sheet pan. You can also use a baking dish.
    bread crumbs mixture for the chicken parmesan.
    chicken breaded and then placed on a baking sheet.
    • Discard the rest of the breadcrumb mixture.
    • Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. 
    • Turn over and bake for another 15 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven, and starting with the sauce, divide the sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on each chicken cutlet. 
    • Bake for another 7-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken’s temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
    chicken cutlets baked with sauce and cheese added to the top.
    sauce and cheese melted on the chicken.

    Supplies

    • Mixing bowls. This set of 3 glass mixing bowls from Pyrex is great to have on hand for this recipe and many others.
    • Meat Tenderizer. You need one to create thin cutlets for your chicken parmesan.
    • Cheese Grater. Just in case you want to grate your shredded mozzarella.
    • Pastry brush. Having a pastry brush makes it easier to coat the baking sheets with olive oil.
    • Baking Sheets. It wouldn’t be baked chicken parmesan without baking sheets. If you don’t have a couple, I recommend getting some for this dinner and other sheet pan dinners.

    Serving suggestions

    What to serve with baked chicken parm? Of course, it’s delicious with spaghetti and sauce. Since this is a healthy chicken parmesan recipe, I recommend serving it with whole-grain pasta and a small salad. 

    To keep things on the low-carb side, skip the pasta and enjoy it with:

    • Italian roasted vegetables, Roasted asparagus, or broccoli.
    • Zoodles or spaghetti squash. 
    • Classic Ceasar Salad or Green Salad

    If you love your carbohydrates, you can even serve my gluten free garlic bread! Yum!

    overhead picture of chicken parmesan.

    Cooking Tips

    • All chicken breasts should be the same size and thickness to ensure everything bakes evenly.
    • Chicken breasts work best for parmesan, but you can use boneless chicken thighs if that’s all you have.
    • I do not recommend using Panko bread crumbs. In my experience, they don’t coat the chicken, and the coating falls off as it bakes.
    • If you don’t have Italian seasoning, then ½ teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of dried basil.
    • Some chicken parmesan recipes call for an egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. However, I don’t find that necessary when baking chicken parmesan in the oven. I find it easier to flip the chicken when I leave the egg wash out. However, if you want a thicker breadcrumb coating, dipping the chicken breast in a beaten egg before dredging in the flour will help. 
    • Oil your baking sheet. You get perfectly brown “fried” chicken breasts and crispy chicken parmesan. You can also swap in melted butter for olive oil.
    • Have extra sauce to serve on the side. Also, the sauce’s flavor will significantly affect the results. For example, if you use roasted garlic marinara, that will taste different from plain marinara.
    • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free chicken parmesan! Check out my gluten-free chicken parmesan on my sister blog Gluten Free Italian Eats.
    • Shredded provolone cheese or a pizza cheese blend will work if you don’t have mozzarella cheese.

    Make-ahead and Storage

    • You can dredge the chicken ahead of time in the breadcrumbs and then store it in a container in the refrigerator for two days. When ready to make the chicken parmesan, continue with the recipe.
    • This healthy chicken parmesan is best served hot out of the oven, but it can also be made entirely ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat the chicken, warm it up for 2-3 minutes in the microwave.

    Check my other chicken meal prep ideas for more tips, tricks, and recipes.

    FAQs

    What is the difference between Chicken Parmesan and chicken parmigiana?

    Chicken Parmesan and chicken parmigiana both mean the same thing and are the same recipe: chicken with cheese.

    How long do you bake chicken parmesan in the oven?

    Bake the chicken parmesan in a 375-degree oven for 35 – 40 minutes. Bake the chicken parmesan in a 400-degree and 425-degree oven for 20 – 25 minutes.

    Regardless of the oven temperature or how long you cook, the chicken breast’s internal temperature, when fully cooked, should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
    I recommend flipping the chicken breasts halfway through cooking to get both sides crispy and browned.

    Do you need to cover chicken parmesan before baking it in the oven?

    No, you can leave the chicken uncovered as it bakes; this helps the coating get brown and crispy.

    I recommend using foil only if you are adding the mozzarella cheese early. In this case, the foil will prevent the cheese from browning too fast. And if this is the case, loosely cover the breaded chicken with foil.

    More healthy chicken recipes

    • One-Pot Chicken and Rice
    • One Pan Chicken and Veggies
    • Crockpot Shredded Chicken
    • Baked Ranch Chicken
    • Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Check out all of our healthy chicken recipes.

    healthy baked chicken parmesan recipe.

    Baked Chicken Parmesan

    This 5-star baked chicken parmesan recipe starts with tender chicken cutlets dredged in tasty breadcrumbs, smothered in sauce and cheese, then baked to perfection. This healthy chicken parmesan recipe is your new dinner-time favorite! You won't even know it's baked. It's the best chicken parmesan!
    5 from 26 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner recipes, Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Keyword: baked chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan recipe, best chicken parmesan, chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, healthy chicken parmesan
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 242kcal
    Author: Tammy Overhoff

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Meat Tenderizer
    • Pastry brush
    • Large sheet pan

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup unseasoned wholegrain breadcrumbs
    • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan or romano cheese
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 lbs chicken cutlets
    • 3/4 cup sauce
    • 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    • In a medium bowl mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Coat a sheet pan with the olive oil.
    • Dredge each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the sheet pan. Discard the rest of the breadcrumb mixture.
    • Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. Turn over and bake for another 15 minutes.
    • Remove the pan from the oven and starting with the sauce divide the sauce and mozzarella cheese on each chicken cutlet.
    • Place back in the oven and cook for 10 – 15 minutes or until sauce is hot and cheese melts. Serve hot.

    Video

    Notes

    Make-ahead and Storage
    You can dredge the chicken ahead of time in the breadcrumbs and then store it in a container in the refrigerator for two days. When you’re ready to make the chicken parmesan, continue with the recipe.
    This healthy chicken parmesan is best served hot out of the oven, but it can also be made entirely ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat the chicken, warm it up for 2-3 minutes in the microwave.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g

    Did you make this recipe?

    Have you tried this Baked Chicken Parmesan? I can’t wait to see it! If so, I’d love for you to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. We all learn from each other’s experiences.

    Sharing is caring!

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    Dinner Recipes, Healthy Chicken Recipes, Recipes

    About Tammy Overhoff

    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating recipes to meal prep, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica says

      October 11, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      These were very easy to make and looks delicious! U haven’t are them yet as we are eating them for dinner later . I can’t keep my husband away from the pan lol so I’m sure they are as good as they look. Only thing was I didn’t have granulated garlic so I used Himalayan garlic salt . Thanks for this easy healthy recipe 😋

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        October 12, 2020 at 1:54 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this Jessica. I made this over the weekend for my husband too and he also can’t get enough of it.

        Reply
    2. Hannah Flack says

      June 15, 2020 at 3:03 am

      5 stars
      Delish – absolutely delish! Made this for dinner tonight and I cannot wait to enjoy leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Thanks for a great-tasting crockpot recipe!!

      Reply
    3. Ashley Young says

      June 01, 2020 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      What sides do you make to go with the baked chicken parmesan?

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        June 10, 2020 at 11:09 am

        Hi there, if I’m keeping it low carb then I’ll serve it with roasted vegetables like Brussel sprouts or broccoli. If not then I’ll have a small portions of whole grain pasta.

        Reply
    4. Vanessa says

      April 16, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing! How far ahead of time can I prep them?

      Reply
    5. Suzanne says

      April 16, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good! What a perfect meal for a weeknight or company!

      Reply
    6. Linda, Kefalonia says

      September 03, 2019 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      Great & easy recipe! It’s been so hot here in Greece this summer that I’ve needed quick & easy recipes that don’t need a lot of messing about in the hot kitchen. This was just the thing, thank you.

      Reply
    7. Monika says

      February 10, 2019 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      This is a good recipe, have made it twice now. I see someone mentioned the Italian seasoning in the recipe, I also noticed that the full amount of mozzarella cheese and sauce the recipe called for didn’t look like it was directed to use all of, but I dump the 3/4 of both on for the last part of the cooking. It’s a nice, easy recipe, thank you for this!

      Reply
    8. Brenda McVicar says

      January 11, 2019 at 5:04 pm

      When you add the Italian seasoning?

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        January 15, 2019 at 10:15 am

        Add it into the breadcrumbs

        Reply
    9. Tammy Kresge says

      January 10, 2019 at 8:49 am

      no I do not

      Reply
      • Marie says

        January 11, 2019 at 10:37 pm

        5 stars
        What’s the herb on top of the chicken in the picture? Flatleaf parsley? Made before and it was a hit! Thank you!

        Reply
        • Tammy Kresge says

          January 15, 2019 at 10:14 am

          yes just parsley.

    10. Robyn says

      December 10, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      Looove this recipe! It is super easy and tastes so good. My husband’s new favorite!

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        December 11, 2018 at 10:15 am

        Yes we love this recipe. I make it all the time for guests and they can never believe it’s not fried.

        Reply
    11. Kasey Smith says

      August 17, 2018 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      This chicken parm recipe is delicious and super easy to make! I’m looking forward to eating the leftovers for dinner tonight.

      Reply
    12. Gerry L Winters says

      April 19, 2018 at 9:06 am

      5 stars
      I have looked extensively for a recipe for chicken parmesan, one that my husband would appreciate and one I could serve guilt-free on my Weight Watchers diet. This is a keeper, and he said it satisfied his need for spaghetti & meatballs. I did serve a side of spaghetti with it. I had no granulated garlic, so substituted 2 t. of garlic powder. Excellent and thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    13. Kath says

      February 18, 2018 at 1:24 am

      5 stars
      Excellent

      Reply
      • Amber Mifflin says

        November 03, 2020 at 9:01 pm

        5 stars
        My family really enjoyed this! Definitely will be adding it to our rotation.

        Reply
        • Tammy Kresge says

          November 04, 2020 at 6:06 am

          That’s great! So glad you liked it!

    14. Nadiya says

      January 29, 2018 at 8:08 pm

      5 stars
      I go to this recipe everytime I make chicken parm. Its spectacular and super healthy! Combination for bread crumbs is perfect! Yumm

      Reply
    15. Chris Schubert says

      January 08, 2018 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this tonight. Turned out great! Couldn’t get to the store for mozzarella, so I sliced a couple of Babybels, added some sliced tomatoes, sauced it and topped with some parm at the last 5 minutes of baking. Added spaghetti on the side and voila!

      Reply
    16. Jaclyn says

      March 28, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this tonight with gluten-free breadcrumbs and it was great! Added some shredded parmesan cheese instead of grated and broiled the cheese (I used whole slices of mozzarella) at the end. Really great recipe, thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
    17. Jane smith says

      March 08, 2017 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      Love this so easy to make. Made for a friends birthday dinner she loved it also.

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        March 09, 2017 at 9:36 am

        That’s great! So glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    18. Kendra Monroe says

      February 08, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      Where do you find unseasoned wholegrain breadcrumbs?! I can’t find any!!

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        February 09, 2017 at 1:21 pm

        I get them in my grocery store wegmans. I’ve seen them everywhere in with the other breadcrumbs.

        Reply
    19. Lori says

      February 02, 2017 at 5:18 am

      Do the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken well? Every recipe I’ve ever seen instructs you to first dredge in egg or milk.

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        February 02, 2017 at 9:23 am

        Yes they stick great.

        Reply
    20. Joye R. says

      December 28, 2016 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      I have made this several times and it is beyond Delicious! I’m Italian and originally from Buffalo, NY and many of our meals are centered around family and wonderful food such as this dish. This was definitely one of the foods I hated to have to limit while I was starting my weight loss journey. This recipe as well as a few others has made it possible to enjoy these foods without feeling guilty about it. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        December 28, 2016 at 6:24 pm

        That is awesome! Thanks for this comment. I’m also a fellow Buffalonian!

        Reply
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    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating meal prep recipes, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

    More about me →

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