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Healthy Chicken Parmesan: A Delightful Sheet Pan Dinner That’s Light Yet Satisfying

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  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Chicken, Sheet Pan
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Healthy Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, oven-baked sheet pan dinner that delivers all the flavor of classic chicken parm with a lighter, mess-free twist. Made with Parmesan, panko, and melty mozzarella, this simple one-pan meal is easy, wholesome, and satisfying.


Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray
  • ¾ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh basil or parsley
  • Optional veggies: zucchini, broccoli, green beans, or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a shallow bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then coat fully in the breadcrumb mixture.

  4. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared sheet pan and lightly spray the tops with olive oil.

  5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until chicken is golden and nearly cooked through.

  6. Remove from oven, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, and top with shredded mozzarella.

  7. Return to oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with basil or parsley before serving.


Notes

  • Add veggies to the sheet pan to roast alongside the chicken.
  • Use gluten-free panko for a GF version.
  • Try crushed almonds or almond flour for a low-carb coating.
  • Make ahead by breading chicken and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For extra crispiness, finish with a minute or two under the broiler.