30 Chicken Parmesan Healthy Recipes That Will Impress Even the Fussiest Eater! 

November 13, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

Chicken parmesan is delicious but can be a little heavy on the stomach and in calories. If you are looking to lighten things up, then this is the place for you! Here, there are plenty of chicken parmesan healthy recipes that are just as delicious as they are good for you. Go ahead and check out this list! 

Chicken Parmesan Healthy

1. Baked Chicken Parmesan with Part Skimmed Mozzarella

This is a good recipe for when you want a healthier chicken parm but still want the flavor and crunch that comes with the original recipe. Here, you use whole wheat panko for the breading and less parmesan too. Part skim mozzarella is a great way to cut down on fat and calories too. And, to round things off, the dish is baked! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Chicken Parmesan with Part Skimmed Mozzarella

2. Lightly Breaded Chicken Parmesan 

This recipe takes it a little easier on the breading so that you still get that crispy texture but it isn't nearly as heavy as a traditional chicken parm. You can opt for whole wheat or gluten free seasoned breadcrumbs and less parmesan for the outer layer. This recipe is also baked and uses reduced fat mozzarella! 

Get the recipe here

Lightly Breaded Chicken Parmesan

3. Grilled Balsamic Marinated Chicken Parmesan 

Making a recipe healthy without losing out on flavor can be tricky but this recipe manages it beautifully! For this recipe, the chicken is marinated in balsamic vinegar, garlic, herbs, and seasonings so that it is flavorful and tender. The chicken is then grilled, topped off with a tomato slice and mozzarella and then grilled again. Serve with warm tomato sauce! 

Get the recipe here

Grilled Balsamic Marinated Chicken Parmesan

4. Whole Wheat Chicken Parmesan 

If you are trying to cook with more whole ingredients, then you are going to love this recipe! Not only is the chicken breast dredged in whole wheat flour, it is also coated in whole wheat breadcrumbs too. Once the chicken has been coated and baked, it is topped off with sauce and shredded mozzarella and broiled until the cheese melts! 

Get the recipe here

Whole Wheat Chicken Parmesan

5. Chicken Parmesan with Zoodles

Chicken parm and pasta are such a great combination but one that can seem too heavy for a regular dinner. In this case, give this recipe a try! Here, the chicken cutlets are lightly breaded and cooked. Once coated in sauce and cheese, the chicken is then served with healthy zucchini noodles! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan with Zoodles

6. Chicken Parmesan with Whole Wheat Noodles

This is the recipe to follow when you just can't give up your noodles! This recipe makes things a bit healthier by using whole wheat noodles! Then, it is a matter of serving the noodles with a side of chicken parm that has been breaded, cooked to golden brown, and topped with sauce and cheese!  

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan with Whole Wheat Noodles

7. Chicken Parmesan with Almond Crackers

Almond crackers are perfect for when you are trying to make your recipe low carb but still want that crunch! Crush the crackers and toss with parmesan cheese and herbs before coating the chicken. Then, bake the chicken, top with marinara and cheese and bake again! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan with Almond Crackers

8. Chicken Parmesan with Almond Meal

If you want to make your chicken parm even healthier, then opt for almond meal instead! For this recipe, the chicken is simply dipped in egg and coated in almond meal mixed with spices. Once cooked, spoon on some sauce and parmesan and cook once more before serving! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan with Almond Meal

9. Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan 

Not only does this recipe show you how to make a lighter version of chicken parm, but this sheet pan dish also comes with a side of beans! These chicken breasts are lightly breaded and placed on a baking sheet along with green beans tossed in seasoning. Everything is baked together before the chicken is topped with sauce and parmesan! Sprinkle fresh basil and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan

10. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

If one of your favorite parts of chicken parm is that crunch, this air fryer lets you enjoy it without the added fat and calories! Coat the chicken in the panko breading and place in the air fryer and cook on each side. Then, top with the sauce and cheese, pop back in the air fryer and cook until the cheese is melted! 

Get the recipe here

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

11. Unbreaded Chicken Parmesan 

This recipe shows you how to make a chicken parm that is still delicious even without that classic breading! To begin with, toss the chicken in herbs and seasoning before baking. Once browned, spoon on some sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Then, broil until the cheese is melted and top with fresh herbs! 

Get the recipe here

Unbreaded Chicken Parmesan

12. Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce

If you prefer whole ingredients then you should definitely try out this recipe as it shows you how to make tomato sauce from scratch! The rest of this recipe follows a more traditional route to making the chicken parm except that the chicken is topped off with part skim mozzarella at the end!

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce

13. Lightly Breaded Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Sauce 

If you want homemade sauce and a more lightly breaded chicken parm, then this recipe can help you out! In addition to being healthy, this recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and you can have dinner on the table in about half an hour~ 

Get the recipe here

Lightly Breaded Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Sauce

14. Tomato and Herb Chicken Parmesan 

If you are looking for a healthy chicken parm that is also just bursting with fresh flavors then look no further than this recipe! Start by sauteing tomatoes, aromatics, and herbs together. Then, top sauteed chicken breasts with this tomato mix as well as a bit of mozzarella cheese. Pop into the oven and broil until the cheese is melted! 

Get the recipe here

Tomato and Herb Chicken Parmesan

15. Chicken Parm with Salad

For this healthier version of chicken parm, you top off the breaded chicken with a salad. The greens are tossed in a lemon vinaigrette that adds so much of flavor to the dish while also brightening up considerably. This is an excellent warm weather recipe! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parm with Salad

16. Chicken Parmesan with Dairy Free Mozzarella

This recipe is healthy on a couple of different fronts! First, the chicken parmesan is only coated in a seasoned almond meal - there is no parmesan in the breading. Then, the chicken is topped off with a dairy free mozzarella cheese at the end! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan with Dairy Free Mozzarella

17. Spinach Chicken Parmesan 

Add a veggie and tons of flavor to your chicken parm with this recipe! To begin with, coat the chicken with seasoned parmesan and then top it with a creamy homemade sauce that also includes spinach and pimiento. Sprinkle on more parmesan and bake! 

Get the recipe here

Spinach Chicken Parmesan

18. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan 

Not only is this chicken parmesan healthy and low in calories, it is also fuss free since it is made in a slow cooker! Place chicken seasoned with herbs and spices in the slow cooker. Pour fat free marinara sauce over it and simmer until tender. Then, sprinkle parmesan and fat free mozzarella over the chicken and serve once the cheese is melted!

Get the recipe here

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

19. Skinny Chicken Parmesan 

This is another great recipe if you are counting calories or limiting fat. The chicken is dipped in egg whites before being coated in breadcrumbs and fried in reduced fat butter. Then, let the chicken simmer in sauce as it is topped off with parmesan and reduced fat mozzarella! 

Get the recipe here

Skinny Chicken Parmesan

20. Pared Down Chicken Parmesan 

This is a super simple chicken parm that is made with as few ingredients as possible! Coat the chicken in herbs and seasonings and sear on each side. Then, place in a baking dish and coat with marinara sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella sauce on top and bake until done! 

Get the recipe here

Pared Down Chicken Parmesan

21. Protein Chicken Parmesan 

If you want to bump up the protein in your chicken parm, this is a good recipe to follow! Here, the chicken is coated in almond meal, chickpea flour, and seasonings. It is then browned, topped with sauce and a bit of parmesan and baked! 

Get the recipe here

Protein Chicken Parmesan

22. Chicken Spinach Parm with Sauce

This is such a flavorful dish that you will forget that it is healthy! First, season the chicken in herbs and then grill or bake until done. In the meantime, saute the spinach. Coat the chicken in marinara sauce and top with spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, and more herbs before broiling! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Spinach Parm with Sauce

23. Chicken Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks

This is a great way to bulk up your chicken parm so that it makes a full meal! Cut cauliflower into steaks, season, and bake. Then, season the chicken and place on top of pesto spread cauliflower. Top with sauce and cheese and bake until done! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks

24. Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan 

Try out this recipe when you want some healthy, delicious, and super quick - here, your chicken parm is ready in just 20 minutes! Season the chicken and sear in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking in marinara sauce. Sprinkle on some parmesan cheese, let the cheese melt, and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

25. Dairy Free, Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

Just because there isn't any gluten or dairy in this chicken parmesan doesn't mean that it isn't delicious! The chicken is coated in seasoned almond and tapioca flour for that nice crunch. And, you make a cheesy sauce with cashews to add some serious creaminess into the mix. A sugar free marinara sauce completes the trifecta! 

Get the recipe here

Dairy Free, Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

26. Quinoa Crusted Chicken Parmesan 

Quinoa is a super healthy and delicious way to add some crunch to your chicken parm! The chicken is coated in potato starch and tapioca flour, topped with parmesan, and baked. Then, spoon some marinara and cheese over and broil until the cheese is melted! 

Get the recipe here

Quinoa Crusted Chicken Parmesan

27. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

By using ground chicken, you get all the flavor and a lot less fat in your dish! Mix the chicken with zucchini, herbs, aromatics, and parmesan. Form the meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Top with sauce and cheese and bake until done. Sprinkle with parsley and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

28. Greek Yogurt Chicken Parmesan 

This recipe is great for when you are counting calories but still want flavor! In this recipe, the Greek yogurt tossed in lemon and herbs replaces the heavier marinara sauce. The chicken is coated in the seasoned yogurt and parmesan and baked! 

Get the recipe here

Greek Yogurt Chicken Parmesan

29. Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan 

Add flavor and bulk to your dish by including eggplant in the recipe! The recipe is coated in parmesan and crushed cornflakes before it is topped off with baked eggplant, crushed tomatoes, and cheese. This is all then baked until done! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan

30. Avocado Chicken Parmesan 

Creamy and high in healthy fats - avocado is the perfect addition to your chicken parmesan! Coat the chicken in breading and bake. Then, top with sauce, avocado slices, and cheese and bake again until the cheese is melted! 

Get the recipe here

Avocado Chicken Parmesan

There you have it - the best way to enjoy chicken parmesan and still keep it healthy and guilt-free! As a bonus, there are so many recipes to choose from that you wont get bored eating the same dish over and over. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give these recipes a try! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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