A lightened-up twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan! These oven-baked, breaded chicken cutlets are golden, juicy, and full of flavor — no frying required. Perfect for a healthy Italian-inspired dinner.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each), sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces
¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
¾ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup marinara sauce (or Filetto di Pomodoro)
Cooking spray
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Prepare the Coating In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, melt the butter (or use olive oil).
Bread the Chicken Lightly brush each chicken cutlet with melted butter, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with a bit more oil. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Add Sauce & Cheese Remove from the oven. Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with 1½ tablespoons of shredded mozzarella.
Melt & Serve Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Pro Tips
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
Swap marinara for spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little kick.
Nutrition Calories: 248 | Carbohydrates: 9.5 g | Protein: 31 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g Cholesterol: 98.5 mg | Sodium: 447 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g