Name: Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1 cup Panko bread crumbs, whole wheat; 4 Tbsp parmesan cheese, divided use; 1 Himalayan salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; 2 egg, lightly beaten; 4 chicken breast, 4-oz., boneless, skinless; 1 cup marinara sauce, no sugar added; ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 Tbsp parsley, chopped

I’ve always struggled with Italian food – especially Chicken Parmesan. I love it (don’t get me wrong) – but, wow! Italian food does not make my blood sugars or my waist happy. Why is it that all the foods I love, aren’t good for me?

Traditionally, chicken parmesan is breaded and deep-fried (yikes). It is then smothered with sugary tomato sauce and loads of cheese. Yes, it sounds yummy, but… I just had to undo a button. Thanks.

What makes this Chicken Parmesan healthier?

I like this recipe because the chicken is dipped in breadcrumbs and baked to get the same texture and flavor of a traditional chicken parmesan. No deep fryer required! The amount of cheese isn’t over-the-top. AND, by using part-skim mozzarella cheese, you can save some fat calories without giving up the flavor. A natural or homemade marinara sauce will help cut some of the sugars vs. a regular tomato sauce. Yeah!

Yield: 4

Healthy Chicken Parmesan

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

cooking spray
1 cup Panko bread crumbs, whole wheat
4 Tbsp parmesan cheese, divided use
1 Himalayan salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
2 egg, lightly beaten
4 chicken breast, 4-oz., boneless, skinless
1 cup marinara sauce, no sugar added
¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450° F.
Lightly coat medium baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
Combine bread crumbs, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl; mix well. Transfer to a plate. Set aside.
Place eggs in a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast in eggs, completely coating, then bread crumbs; coating each evenly on all sides. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, turning after 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle and juices run clear.
Preheat broiler on high.
Top each chicken breast evenly with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and remaining cheese. Return to oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Sprinkle with parsley before serving.