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Baked Chicken Parmesan with Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs Recipe

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4.1 from 74 reviews

This Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian-American favorite by using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs to create a crispy coating on tender chicken cutlets. Baked to perfection and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is both comforting and lighter than the traditional fried version. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a family dinner served over pasta.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or 6 cutlets)
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Toppings and Sauce

  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Place the cutlets between plastic wrap and pound them with a meat tenderizer until they are about ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  3. Set Up Coating Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with whole wheat flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third with a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs well.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the cutlets carefully and bake for another 15 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: After 30 minutes of baking, spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce onto each cutlet, followed by a ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Broil to Melt Cheese: Switch the oven to broil and return the baking sheet to the oven for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, ideally over your favorite pasta or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for tender, evenly cooked cutlets.
  • Using whole wheat flour and bread crumbs adds fiber and a nutty flavor while making it healthier.
  • Broil carefully as cheese can burn quickly under intense heat.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute whole wheat flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/baked-chicken-parmesan-with-whole-wheat-bread-crumbs-recipe/