Classic Chicken Parmesan
Crispy breaded chicken topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella creates a comforting meal with bold, satisfying flavor. Rooted in Italian culinary traditions and embraced throughout American kitchens, Chicken Parmesan celebrates the harmony of crisp textures, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. This High Power version uses wholesome ingredients while preserving the classic taste and presentation.
Servings 4 people
Calories 560kcal
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Sauce & Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced or shredded
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
- For Cooking
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of approximately ½ inch.
- Season both sides with:
- sea salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Prepare the Breading Station
- Place flour in one shallow bowl.
- Whisk eggs with water in a second bowl.
- Combine in a third bowl:
- panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- garlic powder
- Bread the Chicken
- Coat each breast:
- Flour
- Egg mixture
- Breadcrumb mixture
- Press gently so the coating adheres well.
- Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken approximately 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- The chicken does not need to be fully cooked.
- Add Sauce & Cheese
- Top each chicken breast with:
- about ½ cup marinara sauce
- mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese
- Bake
- Transfer skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately with:
- roasted vegetables
- whole wheat pasta
- fresh salad
- zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate option
- Suggested High Power Variations
- For a High Power Diet approach, consider:
- Replace panko with crushed pork rinds, finely grated Parmesan, or a blend of almond flour and grated Parmesan for a lower-carbohydrate coating.
- Bake on a wire rack after browning for additional crispness.
- Use homemade marinara with no added sugar.
- Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- Add a layer of sautéed spinach beneath the mozzarella for additional vegetables.
Notes
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 560
- Total Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Total Sugars: 6 g
- Includes Added Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 56 g
Ingredient Functionality
- Chicken breast provides lean, high-quality protein and serves as the hearty foundation of the dish.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a light, crisp exterior.
- Parmesan cheese adds savory flavor and enhances browning in the breading.
- Mozzarella provides the classic melted cheese topping and creamy texture.
- Marinara sauce contributes moisture, acidity, and traditional Italian flavor.
- Olive oil promotes even browning and adds richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley adds color and fresh herbal aroma.
Chef’s Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Browning before baking creates a crisp crust while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly in the oven.
- Freshly grated Parmesan and freshly shredded mozzarella provide superior flavor and melting characteristics compared to pre-shredded cheeses.
- This recipe follows the High Power Diet philosophy by emphasizing wholesome, minimally processed ingredients while maintaining the traditional flavors and comforting appeal of a classic Chicken Parmesan.
