The easiest baked chicken parmesan recipe that is healthy since it’s not fried and is made crispy with gluten free breadcrumbs. Moist, healthy and packed with flavor.
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Deep frying is my least favorite cooking method. Not only because of health reasons but also due to how it makes my kitchen smell. Plus safely discarding that used cooking oil is always a hassle. Though for certain recipes (like these fritters), I don’t compromise on pulling out the deep frying tools. However, this baked chicken parmesan recipe is great! The chicken always turns out super moist and the flavor of breading, sauce, and mozzarella cheese is spot on.
Switching things a bit with this baked chicken parmesan recipe today. The past few recipes have all been desserts like this pudding or these cinnamon rolls. Seriously though, who have I become? I used to be that person who would not go near anything sweet but now I can enjoy a biscotti with coffee and don’t even blink. But this baked chicken parmesan recipe is delicious and when served with this pasta with no cook sauce and this oven roasted broccoli on the side, it’s a plate of food that is meant for the gods!!
The motivation
Both Ms. A and little V love chicken parmesan as well as chicken nuggets. I used to pan fry chicken nuggets for them all the time but once I baked the nuggets for them and it was a turning point. Then I went rogue and tried baking the chicken parm and here we are. This baked chicken parmesan recipe is perfect for a weeknight, is much healthier than its fried cousin, kids and grown ups enjoy it alike, and the clean up after making this recipe is nowhere close to when you make the traditional chicken parm recipe.
The key
The key to this baked chicken parmesan recipe turning out better than the traditional version is cutting the chicken breasts thin into fillets and then cutting in half so you have 4 equal squarish pieces of chicken from each breast. Another tip that I grabbed somewhere browsing the world wide web was to brush the chicken with butter or olive oil before coating with breadcrumbs to keep it moist. I have tried using the egg wash before breading and am happy to report that the butter works much better in locking in that moisture.
The method
Slice the breasts as suggested above. Brush with butter and then coat with panko breadcrumbs that have been mixed with parmesan cheese and your favorite Italian seasoning. Spray with olive oil and bake in a 450 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with marinara sauce and grated mozzarella and bake for another 5 minutes. That, ladies and gentlemen, is your perfectly cooked, healthier, delicious, gluten free baked chicken parmesan. Serve it with some buttered pasta and a vegetable side and enjoy!
How to make Baked Chicken Parmesan
Here’s your handy dandy printable:
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 to 2 lbs (0.7 to 0.9 kg)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs see notes
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese see notes
- Olive oil spray
- ½ cup marinara sauce good quality, I like Rao’s
- ½ cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a cookie sheet or baking tray with parchment or spray with cooking spray.
- Using a sharp knife, slit the chicken breasts in half to get 4 thin fillets. Then slice the fillets down the middle to get 8 equal sized, almost square chicken pieces.
- In a shallow, wide bowl mix panko, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper.
- Using a brush, apply a light layer of melted butter (or olive oil) to chicken pieces.
- Dip the chicken piece into panko mixture one at a time, making sure that the chicken is evenly coated with breadcrumb parmesan mixture.
- Place on the prepared cookie sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Lightly spray the chicken pieces with olive oil cooking spray and bake for 25 minutes.
- While the chicken is baking you can go onto make your pasta and a vegetarian side or a salad.
- Remove the cookie sheet from the oven, spoon ½ tablespoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and top with ¾ tablespoon of mozzarella cheese.
- Return the chicken back to the oven for 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve over pasta or enjoy it as is.
Notes
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I would love to hear from you guys. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and Facebook! I love to look through your creations!!
Love – Vaishali
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Erika R
Yum! I cannot wait to try this!!! Just might have to make it for dinner tonight.
Vaishali
Thanks Erika. Go for it! And I hope you enjoy it!!!
Fransic verso
This looks so yummy and love that it's easy to make as well. We never tried it before but will suggest it to my partner.
Vaishali
Thanks Frank. I hope you and your partner enjoy it!
Shelly Osborne
This is amazing and thank you for adding a video! I’m more visual and it really helps.
Vaishali
Thanks, Shelly. I am trying to venture into providing these short videos with my recipes. I'm glad you found it helpful.
Debbie
I’m always on the hunt for an easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Chicken Parmesan is my absolute favorite dish and love trying new recipes. Thank you for sharing this one with easy-to-follow instructions.
Vaishali
Thanks Debbie, I'm glad you like it!
Valery
Omg yum! Adding the incredienta to my cart now!
Vaishali
Thanks Valery, I hope you enjoy it!
Colleen
Looks delicious! Thanks for a healthier option to a favorite.
Vaishali
Thanks Colleen. healthier and much easier. I find that this recipe does not create a mess in my kitchen as the traditional chicken parm does.
Pantea
I have been avidly searching for a recipe for Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe that is healthy and simple to make and this is it!!
Vaishali
Thanks Pantea, I'm glad you liked it
Julie
I always love finding new recipes for chicken, especially chicken parmesan. And I love the type of noodles that you paired it with. Thanks for this recipe.
Vaishali
Thanks Julie. Farfalle is my kids favorite pasta shape
Maria
That looks delicious!
Vaishali
Thanks Maria!
Eva Petruzziello
You always have great recipes! Thank you!
Vaishali
Thanks Eva!