Baked Chicken Parmesan
Tender chicken breast coated in a seasoned crust, baked to perfection, and topped with a fresh, homemade tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. A wholesome and delicious take on the classic comfort food.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the fresh tomato sauce
- b.Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Stir in the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, and half of the black pepper.
- f.Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a sauce.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the chicken and dredging station
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- d.In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
- e.In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and the remaining black pepper.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat and bake the chicken
- b.Dip one chicken breast into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- c.Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- d.Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- e.Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add toppings and finish baking
- b.Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- c.Spoon the prepared fresh tomato sauce over each chicken breast.
- d.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each piece.
- e.Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and serve
- b.Remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute.
- c.Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key for even cooking and a tender result.
- 2For an extra crispy crust, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing with seasonings.
- 3Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the chicken pieces space to allow air to circulate for a crispier result.
- 4Make your own breadcrumbs by toasting stale whole wheat bread and processing it in a food processor.
- 5Serve with a side of zucchini noodles or a simple garden salad to complete the meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for the coating.
low carbLow carb
Replace the breadcrumbs with a mixture of almond flour and grated parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly version.
veganVegan
Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan cutlets. Use a flax egg for dredging and your favorite vegan parmesan and mozzarella.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, use a high-quality, no-sugar-added store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, and supporting muscle health.
Rich in Antioxidants
The homemade sauce from fresh tomatoes is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases.
Healthier Cooking Method
Baking is a much healthier alternative to deep-frying, significantly lowering the overall fat and calorie content of the dish.
Source of Fiber
Using whole wheat breadcrumbs increases the dietary fiber content, which is beneficial for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is quite healthy. Baking the chicken instead of frying drastically reduces fat content. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs adds fiber, and the homemade sauce is free from added sugars and preservatives found in many store-bought versions.