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The quest for a delicious yet healthy meal can often feel overwhelming, especially when balancing flavor and nutrition. Enter Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles, a dish that beautifully marries classic Italian flavors with a contemporary twist. This recipe offers juicy, breaded chicken topped with a rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, all served atop a bed of fresh, spiralized zucchini noodles. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is not just satisfying; it's also low in carbs and packed with nutrients. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional benefits of this delightful meal.

Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles

Discover a healthy and delicious twist on a classic favorite with this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan served over zucchini noodles! This recipe features juicy, breaded chicken topped with rich marinara and gooey mozzarella, all on a bed of fresh, spiralized zucchini. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's low in carbs, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. Learn how to make this wholesome meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended 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

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)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, then set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken Coating Station: In three shallow dishes, set up the breading station as follows:

      - Dish 1: Place the flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.

        - Dish 2: Add the beaten eggs.

          - Dish 3: Mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

            Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, coat it thoroughly in the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.

              Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tops of the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

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

                  Prepare Zucchini Noodles: While the chicken is baking, spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles. If you lack a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin, noodle-like strips.

                    Sauté the Zoodles: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Toss in the spiralized zucchini noodles, along with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are tender yet al dente. Be cautious not to overcook, as they may become mushy.

                      Assemble and Serve: To serve, create a nest of zucchini noodles on a plate. Top each serving with a crispy chicken breast drizzled with additional marinara sauce. For an added touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

                        Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, and savor your delightful and healthy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles!

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

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