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Chicken Parmesan, or "Pollo alla Parmigiana," has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, where it has become a beloved staple. Traditionally, this dish features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served over a bed of pasta. Its rich flavors and hearty nature have made it a go-to comfort food for many households.

Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles

Looking for a healthy twist on a classic favorite? Try this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles, a deliciously satisfying meal the whole family will love. Enjoy golden-breaded chicken paired with homemade marinara and vibrant zucchini noodles for a wholesome dinner option. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for meal prepping, offering a guilt-free way to indulge in Italian flavors without compromising on nutrition.

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

For the Zucchini Noodles:

4 medium zucchinis

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken Coating: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in the third.

      Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and first dip it in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated, and finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly covered. Repeat for all chicken breasts.

        Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over each piece. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

          Add Marina and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

            Make Zucchini Noodles: While the chicken is baking, spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips.

              Sauté the Zoodles: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still al dente. Avoid overcooking as they can become mushy.

                Serve: On a plate, create a nest of zucchini noodles, and top with a crispy chicken breast drizzled with extra marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                  Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious and healthy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles!

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                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings