What’s better than Italian takeout? A homemade chicken parmesan that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! This baked chicken parmesan brings the taste of your favorite Italian restaurant right to your kitchen, but without all the extra oil from frying. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile, and trust me – once you learn how easy it is to make, you’ll skip the takeout menu and head straight to your oven.
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For chicken breasts, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook through. For a vegetarian version, try firm tofu slices or large portobello mushroom caps, reducing cooking time accordingly.
Italian-flavored breadcrumbs can be replaced with almond meal or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative. These options will provide a crispy coating while reducing carbohydrates. Adjust seasoning as needed to compensate for the lack of Italian flavoring.
Part-skim mozzarella can be substituted with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy for those avoiding dairy. These options melt reasonably well and provide a similar texture. Use slightly less as some dairy-free cheeses have stronger flavors. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 80-90 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (12 oz each, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
For the breading:
- 1/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parmesan (finely grated)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For the topping:
- fresh basil
- 4 oz part-skim mozzarella (shredded)
- 1/2 cup jar tomato sauce (I like Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Take each chicken breast and cut it in half lengthwise to create 4 pieces total.
Pound each piece to an even 1/2-inch thickness, then set aside.
This ensures even cooking and creates a tender texture.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In a wide, shallow bowl (a pie dish works well), combine Italian breadcrumbs, whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper to create a flavorful coating.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites until they become lightly foamy.
Also, prepare your mozzarella by cutting it into 4 slices or grating it and dividing it into four equal portions.
Arrange your workstation in order with the pounded chicken first, followed by the egg whites, breadcrumb mixture, and finally the baking sheet.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Working one piece at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the egg whites, allowing any excess to drip off.
Next, coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, gently patting to ensure the crumbs adhere to all sides.
Place each coated piece on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Lightly coat the tops of the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F, which should take about 15 minutes.
Ensure thorough doneness by using an instant-read thermometer, as the temperature will rise to 165°F outside of the oven, according to FDA guidelines.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon 2 tablespoons of sauce over each piece.
Top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese has melted, remove the chicken from the oven.
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over each piece for a burst of flavor.
Serve immediately, adding extra sauce on top as desired.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy and cheesy chicken dish!
