Healthy Chicken Parmesan
User Reviews
4.2
Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Description
The recipe starts by mixing almond meal with spices including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to form a flavorful breading. Chicken breasts are dipped in beaten egg, then coated completely in the almond meal mixture. Baking on a parchment-lined pan or wire rack at 400°F crisps the coating while cooking the chicken through. Flipping the chicken halfway promotes even browning. After initially baking for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked, marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan are spooned atop each piece. A brief additional 5-10 minutes in the oven melts and bubbles the cheese. The dish is suggested to be served with roasted broccoli or another green vegetable side.
Using almond meal instead of traditional breadcrumbs reduces carbs and adds nuttiness. The spices in the coating elevate subtle heat and flavor. Baking rather than frying creates a less oily dish with a crisp crust. This version of chicken Parmesan retains the classic flavor profile with a healthier preparation method.
Substitutions for almond meal or use of different flours can make the coating adaptable. Baking on a wire rack is recommended for an even crispier texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts organic, boneless skinless
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup almond meal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce homemade or jarred
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Place almond meal, paprika, cayenne, garlic, sea salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Crack egg into another shallow bowl and whisk.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the egg bowl, wipe off any excess and then dip into the almond meal mixture. Roll until each chicken breast is covered completely. Place the coated chicken on a baking pan lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack that fits on a baking sheet. The wire rack will make for a crispier texture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken once at the 15-minute mark. When done, the chicken will be golden brown and completely cooked through.
- Once cooked through, top each chicken breast with 2-3 Tablespoons of marinara and 2 teaspoons of parmesan cheese. Return chicken to oven and bake 5-10 minutes, until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with roasted broccoli or another green veggie.
Notes
- Allergic to almonds? Substitute almond meal with traditional breadcrumbs or a preferred flour.
- Baking on a wire rack instead of directly on the pan produces a crispier crust by allowing air circulation.
- Serve with roasted broccoli or steamed greens to complement the protein and add balance.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through and crust is golden before adding sauce and cheese for best texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 269 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 of recipe | |
| Calories | 269kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 122mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 706mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 247mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.