High Protein Chicken Parm: 2 Amazing Tips

Okay, let’s talk comfort food! You know those classic dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate? Chicken Parm is definitely one of them for me. But sometimes, you want that same satisfying flavor without all the extra calories or the guilt, right? Well, I’ve got you covered! This High Protein Chicken Parm is my absolute go-to when I’m craving that Italian-American goodness but need to keep things healthy and focused on protein. It tastes so indulgent, you’d never guess how good it is for you!

Two pieces of High Protein Chicken Parm on a gray plate, topped with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chicken Parm

You’re going to be obsessed with this chicken parm, I just know it! It’s got all the deliciousness you expect, but with a healthy twist:

  • Packed with Protein: Seriously, each serving is loaded with protein to keep you full and satisfied.
  • Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a kitchen wizard, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Amazing Flavor: You still get that classic, craveable chicken parm taste โ€“ crispy coating, savory sauce, and gooey cheese.
  • Healthier Choice: It’s a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food without derailing your healthy eating goals.
  • Quick Prep Time: Get it into the oven fast with just a little prep work.
  • Versatile: Great on its own or served with your favorite healthy sides.

Ingredients for Your High Protein Chicken Parm

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff โ€“ the ingredients! This is where the magic starts for our High Protein Chicken Parm. I always like to use good quality ingredients because it really does make a difference, especially with chicken.

Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always go for the plump ones, makes it easier to slice them nicely.
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs: These give you that perfect crunch but are way better for you than regular breadcrumbs!
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Real Parmigiano-Reggiano if you can swing it, it has SO much more flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Can’t have Italian without oregano, right?
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that warm, savory kick.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a touch to bring out all the flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
  • 2 egg whites: These are our binder that helps the breadcrumbs stick like glue.
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce: Pick a good quality one โ€“ I love a sauce with simple ingredients.
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty cheese pull we all adore. Part-skim works perfectly here!
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit for searing to get that beautiful golden color.

See? Pretty straightforward stuff! You probably already have most of these in your pantry. If you’re feeling fancy, you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a little heat, just like in my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Delicious High Protein Chicken Parm topped with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil on a plate.

How to Prepare the Perfect High Protein Chicken Parm

Alright, let’s get down to making this amazing High Protein Chicken Parm! Itโ€™s really not complicated at all, and trust me, the results are totally worth it. Weโ€™re going for juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy, flavorful coating. Itโ€™s one of my absolute favorite ways to make chicken, kind of like my Parmesan Crusted Chicken, but with that classic Italian flair.

Prepping the Chicken for High Protein Chicken Parm

First things first, grab those chicken breasts. The key to even cooking and that lovely, tender texture is getting them to be the same thickness. I like to slice them horizontally โ€“ almost butterfly them โ€“ to make thin cutlets. If theyโ€™re still a bit thick, just place them between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap and give them a gentle pound with a meat mallet or even the bottom of a heavy pan. Easy does it! You want them about half an inch thick all over. This ensures they cook up super fast and evenly, just like in my Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats!

Creating the Perfect Coating for High Protein Chicken Parm

Now for the fun part โ€“ the coating! Get two shallow dishes ready. In one, whisk up our whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Itโ€™s like a flavor explosion waiting to happen! In the other dish, lightly beat those egg whites. Take each chicken cutlet, dip it in the egg whites first so itโ€™s nicely coated, then dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture. Really press that coating on so it sticks well โ€“ thatโ€™s how you get that awesome crust. Don’t be shy!

A delicious serving of High Protein Chicken Parm, featuring a crispy breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.

Searing and Baking Your High Protein Chicken Parm

Weโ€™re almost there! Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) because we want it nice and hot. While itโ€™s heating, grab an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this!) and add that tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until itโ€™s shimmering. Carefully place your coated chicken cutlets in the hot pan. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want them to get a beautiful golden-brown color. Once seared, take the skillet off the heat. Top each piece with a dollop of marinara sauce and then that shredded mozzarella. Pop the whole skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is all melty and bubbly. Youโ€™ll know itโ€™s done when the cheese is gorgeous and browned, and the chicken is opaque all the way through. My little trick for checking is to peek in the thickest part โ€“ no pink allowed!

Tips for Success with High Protein Chicken Parm

Okay, so youโ€™ve got our amazing High Protein Chicken Parm recipe, but sometimes little things can make a big difference, right? Iโ€™ve learned a few tricks over the years that really help this dish turn out perfectly every single time. Itโ€™s all about those small details!

My biggest tip for getting that coating to stick like superglue and not go anywhere? Make sure your chicken is *really* dry before you dip it in the egg whites. Pat it down really well with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of adhesion here! Also, donโ€™t overcrowd the pan when youโ€™re searing; give the chicken a little space so it browns nicely instead of steaming. That sear is crucial for that golden, crispy edge!

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Chicken Parm

Now that you’ve made this fantastic High Protein Chicken Parm, what do you serve it with? It’s so good on its own, but I love to pair it with some healthy sides to make it a complete meal. My absolute favorite is a big, fresh salad โ€“ maybe my Pineapple Cucumber Salad for a little sweet and tangy contrast! Or, if you want something a bit more hearty, some roasted veggies like these Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini are just divine.

Storage and Reheating Your High Protein Chicken Parm

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your High Protein Chicken Parm, let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crispiness! The best way is to pop it back in a preheated oven at around 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through and that cheesy topping is bubbly again. It really brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture!

Close-up of High Protein Chicken Parm on a gray plate, topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions about High Protein Chicken Parm

You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers about this fantastic High Protein Chicken Parm! Itโ€™s one of those dishes that just keeps giving, and I love hearing what you guys are curious about.

Can I make this High Protein Chicken Parm gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this gluten-free, just swap out the whole wheat breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond flour. You can also try crushing up some pork rinds for an extra keto-friendly crunch! They work surprisingly well. Just make sure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free too!

What are the best low-carb sides for High Protein Chicken Parm?

Oh, good question! Since this is already a pretty healthy dish, keeping the sides low-carb is easy. I adore pairing it with a big, fresh green salad, or some steamed broccoli or green beans. My Keto Spinach Wraps are also a fun, lighter side option if you want something a little different!

How do I ensure my High Protein Chicken Parm is juicy?

The key to a super juicy chicken parm is not overcooking it! Searing the chicken first and then finishing it in the oven helps a lot. Also, make sure not to pound the chicken *too* thin, or it can dry out faster. And, don’t skip that marinara sauce and melty cheese on topโ€”they add wonderful moisture!

Nutritional Information for High Protein Chicken Parm

Alright, let’s talk numbers for our High Protein Chicken Parm! While every kitchen can be a little different, hereโ€™s a general idea of what youโ€™re getting with each delicious serving. These are estimated values, of course, since ingredient brands and exact portion sizes can vary a bit. But the main takeaway? Tons of protein without breaking the calorie bank!

Per serving:

  • Calories: Around 350
  • Protein: A whopping 35g!
  • Fat: About 15g
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g

Share Your High Protein Chicken Parm Creation!

I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations! When you make this High Protein Chicken Parm, please, please, please share your experience! Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag me on social media. Iโ€™m always so excited to see how yours turns out. You can learn more about my kitchen adventures here!

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High Protein Chicken Parmesan

A high-protein version of the classic chicken parmesan, perfect for a healthy meal.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
  2. Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. In another shallow dish, lightly beat the egg whites.
  5. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg whites, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
  6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Sear the chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Top each cutlet with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Serve with your favorite pasta or a side salad.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cutlet
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: high protein chicken parmesan, healthy chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, low carb chicken parmesan, protein meal

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