Imagine sinking your fork into a crispy, golden chicken breast covered in rich marinara sauce and melted cheese - without worrying about gluten! This Super Easy Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that's so delicious, nobody will believe it's gluten-free. Whether you're celiac, gluten-sensitive, or just looking for a healthier twist on a classic Italian-American dish, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it is hot and ready for baking the chicken once it is prepared.
- Prepare your ingredients: Take the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere better.
- In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix them well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
- In another shallow dish, you can beat an egg (optional) to create an egg wash. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, but you can skip this step if you prefer a lighter coating.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
- While the oil is heating, take each chicken breast and coat it in the egg wash (if using) and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a few breadcrumbs in; they should sizzle), carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer them to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the marinara sauce on each chicken breast.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the gluten-free chicken parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired, alongside your favorite gluten-free pasta or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat your chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- For extra crispiness, use a cast-iron skillet when frying the chicken.
- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- If you want to make this dish ahead, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before cooking.
- For a lower-carb version, you can replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and allow the cheese to set slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 432kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 45g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 115mg
