Baked Chicken Parmesan — SMART CHICKEN

**Recipe by Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh, Recipe Developer and Food Blogger, Healthyish Foods**

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 45mins Serves: 4

This baked chicken parmesan recipe is light and satisfying. The breaded cutlets are juicy, tender and perfectly crispy on the outside. Topped with just the right amount of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, these breaded chicken cutlets are a weeknight win.

Ingredients

2 lbs. Smart Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup marinara

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise. This technique is known as butterflying. You’ll end up with 4 thin halves. Next, place the chicken in a bag and gently pound it. Pounding the chicken will make it tender and allows it to cook more quickly and evenly. Then, you’ll whisk an egg and brush the egg on both sides of the pounded chicken.

On a separate plate, combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well. Run the chicken through the breading mixture and place it on a baking tray that’s been sprayed with olive oil baking spray. Once all four pieces are breaded and placed on the tray, spray the top of the chicken with the olive oil cooking spray.

Bake for 20 minutes and flip the chicken. Bake for another 5-6 minutes. Next, spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of each piece of chicken. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella on top of each piece and place it back in the oven. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is heated and the cheese is melted.

Serve with cooked pasta and a light arugula salad.Let the chicken rest for 25-30 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices. Arrange the remaining cheese on top of the casserole in an even layer and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Enjoy!