Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner featuring crispy, golden-coated chicken breasts topped with tangy natural tomato sauce, melted plant-based cheese, and savory smoked turkey bacon. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a healthy, family-friendly, Italian-inspired meal made with simple everyday ingredients and flexible variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/2 inch thickness
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (plus extra for breading)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup natural tomato sauce (plant-based)
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (mozzarella-style)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch to ensure quick, even cooking. Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano and basil for flavor.
- Set up your breading station: Beat the eggs in one bowl. In another bowl, combine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with extra garlic powder and dried oregano. Dip each chicken breast first in the eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly for maximum crunch.
- Crisp the smoked turkey bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet until crisp, then chop into small pieces to add a smoky, savory crunch to the dish.
- Bake to perfection: Lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil and place the breaded chicken breasts on it. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and top each piece with natural tomato sauce, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a generous layer of shredded plant-based cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the plant-based cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and enjoy: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a bright herbal note, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to avoid uneven cooking.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs before baking.
- Use smoked turkey bacon for a smoky flavor that complements the dish without overpowering it.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after baking to lock in juices and prevent dryness.
- Preheat the oven fully to promote the best crust formation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: baked chicken parmesan, plant-based cheese, Italian, smoked turkey bacon, healthy dinner, gluten-free chicken parmesan
