I love a good chicken parmesan but hate the heavy feeling afterwards from consuming a meal that was partially pan fried in oil. So I decided to experiment with a recipe that bakes the chicken to lighten it up yet still keeps the chicken moist. So many times I have baked chicken and it came out tough or dry, come on I know we have all been there it’s ok to admit it! So I was pleasantly surprised at how juicy the chicken was and how crispy the breadcrumbs baked up in this recipe.
The addition of smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs adds a nice spicy smoky kick to this dish. All the flavor and deliciousness of a traditional fried chicken parmesan just lightened up!
The breading portion of this recipe can be tedious and leave you with messy fingers, but one you pop it into the oven it is the simplest recipe to finish. It is well worth the effort!
Serve with a nice side salad or some angel hair pasta and you have the makings of a true comfort meal.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Ingredients:
- 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 4 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 (6 ounce) skinless boneless chicken breast halves butterflied
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 jar good-quality marinara sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 2 tablespoons (1/2-ounce) shredded Parmesan
- Fresh Basil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
In a medium bowl, toss the crumbs with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and milk together. In a third bowl stir together the flour, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Dip each piece of chicken, 1 piece at a time, in flour, shaking off excess, then egg, then bread crumbs, shaking off excess. If you need to mix up more breadcrumb spice mixture go for it!
Place breaded breasts in a glass baking dish and spray on each side with cooking spray, this will ensure that the breadcrumbs get crispy.
Bake breasts until cooked though and crumbs are browned, about 15 minutes.
Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbling.
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top while serving.
Adapted from The Food Network