Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large chicken breasts or 6 chicken cutlets)
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½ cup whole wheat flour
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3 large eggs
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1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 teaspoons dried basil
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2 teaspoons dried parsley
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1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1.5 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Olive oil spray (for greasing)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it in half horizontally, creating thinner cutlets. Then, cover the chicken with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken to about ¼ inch thickness. This step helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick. -
Set Up the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow bowls:-
In the first bowl, add whole wheat flour.
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In the second bowl, whisk together 3 eggs.
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In the third bowl, combine whole wheat bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
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Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breading mixture. Press the breading onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Repeat with all the chicken cutlets. -
Bake the Chicken:
Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, flip each cutlet, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. -
Add Sauce and Cheese:
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Once the chicken is cooked, top each piece with about ¼ cup marinara sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the oven, set to broil, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Baked Chicken Parmesan over pasta, with a salad, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
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Chicken Cutlets: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cut chicken cutlets for ease.
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Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch for an extra flavorful touch.
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Mozzarella: For the best texture, use fresh mozzarella. However, pre-shredded mozzarella works fine too.
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Freezing Tip: You can freeze the breaded chicken before baking. Just make sure to bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free