This gluten free chicken Parmesan recipe is easy, healthy and a family favorite! Chicken breast is coated with a blend of gluten free breadcrumbs and spices, and topped with cheese and marinara sauce. Best part? Ready in under 40 minutes!
This gluten free chicken parmesan tastes just like the original version! The chicken breast is breaded with a very flavorful Italian breading. The sauce is added after cooking so that you have a crispy chicken breast.
This pairs perfectly with a side of healthy sweet potato fries or asparagus made in the instant pot! And, if you're looking for more gluten free chicken recipes, be sure to check out this gluten free sweet and sour chicken , chicken pancit, or this gluten free chicken taco bake.
Reasons to Love This
- The perfect texture: This chicken parmesan recipe is crispy on the outside and while the chicken remains tender and juice. Each bite is packed with flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe takes under 40 minutes to make! Prep it the night before and cook it right before serving for an easy meal prep option!
- Gluten Free: This recipe is gluten free, but tastes just like the normal version of chicken parmesan!
- Healthy: This is a healthy dinner option. It's packed with lean protein. Pair it with a side salad or your favorite veggie side dish, such as sauteed frozen broccoli, for some extra nutrients!
Ingredients Needed
Chicken Breast- look for a chicken breast that is boneless and skinless. Trim off any excess fat. This works best if you pound the chicken breast to about ½ inch thickness using a meat pounder.
Breadcrumbs- use plain breadcrumbs, since you will be adding additional seasonings. You can use seasoned breadcrumbs, and this will just create a stronger Italian flavor to the dish. Be sure the breadcrumbs are gluten free to keep this dish free of wheat!
Parmesan Cheese- you can use either the shredded parmesan cheese or the version that is sold in a can. I have made this recipe both ways and they both taste great! I personally prefer the canned cheese for this recipe, however either option will work!
Marinara Sauce-this can also be substituted with a homemade healthy spaghetti sauce!
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
Chicken: If you're looking for a different protein, you can substitute the chicken with veal for a traditional "Veal Parmesan" dish. Alternatively, you can use turkey cutlets for a leaner option, or even tofu slices for a vegetarian alternative.
Cheese: While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses to add different flavors and textures to your dish. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese alternatives made from nuts or plant-based ingredients.
Breadcrumbs: Instead of using traditional gluten free breadcrumbs, try using gluten free panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier coating. You can also crushed rice chex or almond meal for a nutty flavor.
Marinara Sauce: While marinara sauce is the standard, you can switch it up by using a tomato-basil sauce, arrabbiata sauce for some heat, or even a creamy tomato sauce for added richness.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken breast. Pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness. Cut the chicken breasts in half. (Image 1)
Step 2: Prepare the dipping stations. Place the eggs in a bowl and whisk until combined. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, parmesan cheese and parsley. Mix until combined. (Image 2)
Step 3: Begin the dipping process. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture. Move it around until all parts of the chicken are covered with egg. Next, dip the chicken in the breadcrumbs until its fully covered. This works best if you use a fork or tongs! (Image 3)
Step 4: Place the chicken on a greased pan and bake for about 20 minutes. (Image 4) Once it’s done cooking, top with marinara and mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve warm!
Hint: If planning to serve this dish for multiple meals, wait to top it with marinara sauce until right before serving!
Expert Tips
- For an extra crispy coating, use a double breading process. After dipping the chicken in the egg wash and breadcrumbs, repeat the process to create a thicker and crunchier crust.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or a rolling pin. This helps prevent the chicken from becoming too thick in some parts and too thin in others, resulting in more consistent cooking.
- Pack in more nutrients by adding in chopped and cooked zucchini to the marinara sauce to sneak in some extra veggies. You could also top with mushrooms or serve on top of spaghetti squash or zoodles.
- Wait to top with marinara sauce until right before serving. This is especially important if you plan to serve the chicken parmesan as leftovers after cooking it. This helps to keep the chicken crispy and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Leftovers: Allow the chicken to cool at room temperature for a few minutes after cooking to release all steam. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Divide the leftover chicken into smaller containers to help it cook down quickly. More info on safe food storage can be found here.
- This recipe freezes great! Store it in an airtight Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Release all steam before freezing. If possible, leave off the marinara sauce and cheese before freezing. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Since this is a healthier and gluten free version of chicken parmesan, I like to serve it with similar options. You can keep this low carb by using spaghetti squash or zoodles in place of pasta. Here’s a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Build a chicken parm bowl: place the chicken parmesan on top of a bed of rice or quinoa. Add extra marinara.
- Serve with noodles, zoodles or a creamy spaghetti squash.
- Make a wrap (this works great with leftovers!) Slice the chicken parmesan into thin strips. Place on top of a tortilla, add lettuce and serve.
- Serve the chicken parmesan with a spinach caprese side salad.
- Serve with a side of spinach strawberry salad or cowboy caviar .
Recipe FAQs
If you don't have eggs, you can dip the chicken in melted butter or olive oil before dipping it in the breading. You can also make a flax seed egg. The bread crumbs will still get crispy and stick to the chicken!
A substitute for mozzarella in chicken parmesan is provolone cheese, which offers a similar meltability and adds a subtle sharpness. Another option is fontina cheese, which adds a creamy and nutty flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cheese alternative made from nuts or soy.
All plain, fresh cuts of chicken breast are gluten free. Some popular brands include Tyson or Brakebush farm fresh. It's a good idea to always double check the label to make sure there was not any wheat added to a broth injected in the chicken breast
More Gluten Free Dinner Recipes
If you tried this Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast skinless & boneless (about 3 medium breasts)
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup gluten free bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Peheat the oven to 425F. Grease a baking dish or sheet pan and set aside.
- Use a meat pounder to pound your chicken to about ½ inch thick. Cut each chicken breast in half. Set aside.
- Prepare your dipping stations. Place the eggs in a bowl and whisk.
- In a separate bowl, combine, the gluten free breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley and parmesan cheese. Mix until combined.
- Use a fork or tongs to dip a piece of chicken into the egg. Flip the chicken over and make sure the entire chicken is coated with egg mixture.
- Remove the chicken from the egg and dip it in the breadcrumb mixture. Flip the chicken until all parts of the chicken are coated with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking dish and repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until the temperature of the chicken reads 165F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and top with a heaping spoonful of marinara sauce and a small amount of mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and change the heat setting to broil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully so it does not burn.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm. Serve plain or on a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles), spaghetti squash or pasta.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or a rolling pin. This helps prevent the chicken from becoming too thick in some parts and too thin in others, resulting in more consistent cooking.
- For an extra crispy coating, use a double breading process. After dipping the chicken in the egg wash and breadcrumbs, repeat the process to create a thicker and crunchier crust.
- Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil leaves or chopped herbs like parsley or basil.
- Add the marinara sauce right before serving to ensure a crispy chicken breast and prevent it from getting soggy.
Maggie says
Yummy - the GF Chicken Parmesan look awesome! Thank you for the recipe!