There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Chicken Parmesan wafting through your kitchen. With its crispy golden crust, gooey melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, this classic Italian-American dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. But what if you could make it healthier without sacrificing any flavor? With this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare a delicious and wholesome Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce right in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of comfort food with a healthier twist, using whole wheat ingredients and baked (not fried) chicken cutlets. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. You’ll love the harmony of textures and flavors, from the crispiness of the chicken to the tangy sweetness of the marinara sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering dish:

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets	1.5 lbs (about 3 large breasts or 6 cutlets)
Whole wheat flour	½ cup
Large eggs	3
Shredded mozzarella	1.5 cups
Marinara sauce	1.5 cups

For the Breading Mixture

Ingredient	Quantity
Whole wheat bread crumbs	1 cup
Parmesan cheese	½ cup
Pepper	¼ teaspoon
Dried basil	2 teaspoons
Dried parsley	2 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Start by butterflying and pounding the chicken breasts. Slice each breast in half lengthwise like a book, then place the halves between plastic wrap.
• Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken until it’s about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Set Up Your Assembly Line

• Arrange three shallow bowls:
  • Bowl 1: Add the whole wheat flour.
  • Bowl 2: Crack and whisk the eggs.
  • Bowl 3: Mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.

4. Bread the Chicken

• Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Dip the floured chicken into the whisked eggs.
• Coat the chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
• Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the Chicken

• Bake the chicken at 425°F for 15 minutes.
• Flip the cutlets and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Making the Homemade Marinara Sauce

6. Gather Your Ingredients

To elevate this dish, you can prepare your marinara sauce from scratch. You’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity
Crushed tomatoes	28 oz can
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Onion, diced	1 medium
Dried basil	1 teaspoon
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste

7. Cook the Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finishing Touches

8. Top with Sauce and Cheese

• After the chicken has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven.
• Spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce onto each cutlet, then sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

9. Broil Until Golden

• Set the oven to broil and return the chicken to the oven.
• Broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Serve over whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette balance the richness of the dish.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed spinach are excellent complements.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip Pounding the Chicken: This step ensures tender, evenly cooked chicken.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan and mozzarella for the best flavor and melting quality.
• Watch the Broiler: The cheese can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so keep an eye on it.
• Make It Your Own: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick or substitute gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	42g
Total Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	3g

FAQs About Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce

1. Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can pan-fry the breaded chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, but baking is a healthier option.

2. Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality jarred sauce works well. Just look for options with low added sugar.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze the breaded and baked chicken without the sauce. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and top with marinara and cheese.

5. What’s the best cheese substitute for mozzarella?

Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses works well if you don’t have mozzarella on hand.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the whole wheat flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion: A Classic Dish Made Better

This Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce is the perfect blend of comfort and health, giving you all the flavors of the classic dish with none of the guilt. From the crispy breading to the creamy melted cheese and tangy marinara, every bite is pure joy.

What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this homemade masterpiece tonight!

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