Chicken Parmesan
A lighter take on the classic Italian-American comfort food. Tender chicken breast coated in an almond flour-parmesan crust, pan-fried until golden, then baked with a simple homemade marinara and melted mozzarella.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
TIPPounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.Start the marinara sauce.
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the marinara sauce.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the chopped basil and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Set up the breading station.
- You'll need two shallow dishes.
- In the first dish, lightly beat the egg.
- In the second dish, combine the breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons of the parmesan cheese, and the dried oregano. Mix well.
Bread the chicken cutlets.
Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
Sear the chicken until golden.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
TIPYou are not cooking the chicken through here, just creating a crispy crust.Assemble the chicken parmesan.
If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of the marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
Bake until bubbly and cooked through.
Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and serve.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra crispy crust, you can toast the almond flour in a dry pan for a few minutes before using it for breading.
- 2If your marinara sauce is too acidic, a tiny pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.
- 3Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking it.
- 4This dish is best served fresh, as the breading can lose its crispness upon reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds for the coating.
vegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or zucchini. Follow the same breading and baking process.
quickQuick
To save time, use a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.
healthyHealthy
For an even lighter version, skip the breading and simply pan-sear the chicken before topping with sauce and cheese and baking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes in the marinara sauce are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases.
Provides Calcium
The mozzarella and parmesan cheese contribute calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
This version is a healthier take on the classic. It's baked instead of deep-fried and uses almond flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free crust. It's high in protein and made with fresh ingredients.
