HEALTHY BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN

This healthy baked chicken parmesan recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make! This lighter Italian classic is a family treasure, and now it’s yours.

This baked chicken parmesan is more than just dinner. It’s a loved family recipe passed down from my Italian grandmother. Growing up, she always made it with love, layering in simple, fresh ingredients that made every bite unforgettable. What makes this version extra special is the fresh basil tucked under the melted cheese, just like my Nonna used to do. It adds a burst of aromatic Italian flavor that brings the dish to life.

Baked instead of fried, this healthy chicken parmesan recipe is lighter while still delivering all the cozy, saucy, cheesy goodness you love in the classic version. Every bite takes me back to Sunday dinners with my family, sharing stories and laughter around the table. Italians know that food is love, and this dish is pure love on a plate. From our Italian kitchen to yours, may this recipe bring you as much joy as it’s brought us.

If you’re a fan of chicken parmesan like us, you’re going to love these! Crispy air fryer chicken parmesan, healthy chicken parmesan meatballs, juicy chicken parmesan burgers, and even an effortless slow cooker chicken parmesan. I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You Will Love This Healthy Chicken Parmesan

• Baked, not Fried: This chicken parmesan is baked, not fried! It’s a healthier option that still delivers all the classic flavor. Plus, there’s only a light spray of in this recipe!
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and easily. All you have to do is dip the chicken cutlets in the egg mixture, coat them with breadcrumbs, and bake. Finish with marinara and mozzarella, and it’s ready to enjoy.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with a handful of ingredients and simple seasonings for the best flavor.
• So Flavorful: This chicken parmesan is packed with incredible flavor! For another delicious Italian recipe, try our healthy eggplant parmesan!

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken: Slice two boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 4 cutlets for this recipe. This helps them cook evenly.
• Egg: Dip the chicken cutlets in the whisked eggs before coating them in the breadcrumbs.
• Breadcrumbs: Coat the chicken cutlets in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Parmesan: Add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for the ultimate flavor.
• Seasonings: Season the breadcrumbs with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Marinara Sauce: Top your baked chicken parmesan with marinara sauce.
• Mozzarella: Sprinkle and melt light shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves for the ultimate fresh burst of flavor.

Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

• Crispy Coating Options: For the crunchiest texture, panko breadcrumbs are our go-to. If you prefer a more classic flavor, use regular unseasoned breadcrumbs. Or, you can use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are an easy swap. Just reduce the seasonings in this recipe by half. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crunchy alternative. Or, try our oven-fried cornflake chicken tenders recipe!
• Egg-Free Option: If you’re out of eggs or want to switch it up, brush the chicken with olive oil or lightly spray it with oil to help the breadcrumbs stick. Or, try our air fryer chicken parmesan recipe, where we used olive oil spray instead of eggs.
• How to Prep the Chicken: We like to keep things simple by slicing two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make cutlets. It’s quicker and less messy than pounding. But if you’d rather pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking, that works just as well.
• Marinara Sauce Options: Top with your favorite store-bought marinara sauce. Or, try our homemade marinara sauce, slow cooker tomato sauce, or roasted tomato sauce. They all work great in this recipe!

How To Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise into cutlets. Then, pat the cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, and smoked paprika.

Step 4: Beat the egg in a separate shallow bowl.

Step 5: Dip each seasoned cutlet into the egg, letting excess drip off.

Then, press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.

Step 6: Place the coated cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. For the extra crispness, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.

Then, bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 7: Remove from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle with freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Place a fresh basil leaf under the cheese, or top with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Step 8: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this chicken parmesan!

• With Spaghetti Squash: Serve the chicken parmesan over spaghetti squash noodles. Try our air fryer spaghetti squash recipe for a healthy and delicious base.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a light, low-carb option, serve this chicken parmesan over zucchini noodles.
• With Pasta: Pair with pasta, whole-wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, low-carb pasta, Fiber Gourmet, or your pasta of choice.
• With a Side Salad: Serve this dish alongside a fresh side salad like our Italian chopped salad, high-protein Italian pasta salad, Caesar salad, or healthy coleslaw.
• Roasted Veggies: Our air fryer frozen broccoli, air fryer cauliflower, air fryer green beans, air fryer carrots, air fryer sweet potato wedges, roasted sweet potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts make a great side.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover baked chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Healthy Chicken Recipes to Try!

• Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
• Chicken Alfredo Linguine
• Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.

5 from 4 votes

HEALTHY BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Rate Pin Print

This Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a loved Italian family recipe that’s baked, not fried. It’s comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor!

Save this recipe!

Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Post Email Permalink

Email *

Save

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise into 4 cutlets
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or unseasoned breadcrumbs
• ▢ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ▢ 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• ▢ 1/2 cup shredded light mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or torn

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise into cutlets. Then, pat the cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, and smoked paprika.
• Beat the egg in a separate shallow bowl.
• Dip each seasoned cutlet into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
• Place the coated cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Then, bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked, when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle with freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Place a fresh basil leaf under the cheese, or top with fresh chopped basil before serving.
• Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

• Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.
• Egg-Free Option: If you’re out of eggs or want to switch it up, brush the chicken with olive oil or lightly spray it with oil to help the breadcrumbs stick.
• Crispy Coating Options: For the crunchiest texture, panko breadcrumbs are our go-to. If you prefer a more classic flavor, use regular unseasoned breadcrumbs. Or, you can use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are an easy swap. Just reduce the seasonings in this recipe by half. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crunchy alternative.

 

WW Points: 3 points per serving

To see your WW Points in the WW app for this recipe click here! Or, please manually add the ingredients to the recipe builder.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal, Carbohydrates: 18.3g, Protein: 35.7g, Fat: 8.1g, Saturated Fat: 3.1g, Cholesterol: 108mg, Sodium: 535mg, Fiber: 1.3g, Sugar: 3.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @wwhealthyfoodiegirl or tag #healthyfoodiegirl!