Healthy Chicken Parmesan
User Reviews
5
Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Description
Healthy Chicken Parmesan is prepared by baking boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. After baking until fully cooked, the chicken is topped with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella slices, and grated Parmesan cheese. A quick broil melts and lightly browns the cheese. The dish balances the savory flavors of the herbs and cheeses with the acidity of the tomato sauce.
The chicken remains moist and tender due to baking, while broiling adds a browned, bubbly cheese finish. The marinara sauce contributes a bright, familiar tomato flavor that complements the cheeses. This preparation offers a wholesome alternative to fried versions.
Serve the Healthy Chicken Parmesan alongside cooked pasta or toasted sandwich rolls to make hearty meals, with pasta providing a classic pairing or sandwich rolls turning it into a flavorful chicken sandwich. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and presentation.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the chicken retains its texture without drying out.
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breast about 1 lb. total, boneless, skinless, 4-5 ounces each, or 4 thinly-sliced chicken cutlets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Italian seasoning to taste
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (24 ounce) marinara sauce divided, jarred
- 4 lices fresh mozzarella or sub with shredded mozzarella or a shredded Italian cheese blend, about 4 ounces total
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- basil or parsley, chopped, optional garnish
- pasta Optional, for serving cooked or toasted
- sandwich rolls Optional, for serving cooked or toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil (for easy clean-up, if desired) and spritz lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Arrange the chicken on the prepared sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the oil onto the chicken to coat evenly. Season the chicken on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F). Larger, thicker pieces of chicken will require a longer baking time.
- Heat the broiler to high. Top each piece of chicken with 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, a slice of mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan.
- Place the chicken under the broiler. Cook just until the cheese on top is melted and browned, about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken the entire time, since it can burn quickly.
- Toss the remaining marinara sauce with cooked pasta, if desired. Serve the chicken with the pasta and marinara sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
- Store leftover Healthy Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through to maintain texture; microwave reheating for 1-2 minutes is also an option.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 263 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1piece of chicken (not including optional pasta) | |
| Calories | 263kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 498mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 537mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 380IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 175mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.