If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and satisfying low carb meal, then Low Carb Chicken Parmesan is just what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy crust, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep option that will keep you on track with your dietary goals. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful dish!
Why Cooks Rave About It
There are a plethora of reasons why this Low Carb Chicken Parmesan is a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it accessible even for beginner chefs. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible—the savory Italian seasonings, the crunch of the almond flour, and the melted cheese work together to create a symphony of taste. Moreover, it fits perfectly into a low carb lifestyle, allowing you to indulge without the guilt.
Ingredient Checklist
To make this mouthwatering Low Carb Chicken Parmesan, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch salt to season
- 2 eggs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, fresh grated
- 1/2 cup almond flour (not almond meal)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 26 ounces marinara sauce (see notes to make from scratch)
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes, crushed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley
Appliances & Accessories
To whip up this scrumptious dish, ensure you have the following tools on hand:
- Oven: For baking the chicken to perfection.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing and browning the chicken.
- Baking dish: To hold all the delicious components while they bake.
- Meat mallet: Useful for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the egg wash and coating.
Mastering Low Carb Chicken Parmesan: How-To
Follow these simple steps to create your Low Carb Chicken Parmesan:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 2: Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of cracked pepper. In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, coat the chicken in the almond flour and Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Step 6: Assemble
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve hot, alongside a fresh salad or your favorite low carb side.
Better-for-You Options
If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, consider the following options:
- Swap out the marinara sauce for a homemade version with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a light and refreshing twist.
- Opt for baked chicken instead of pan-frying to reduce added fats.
- Try adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the marinara sauce for added nutrients.
Things That Go Wrong
Even the best chefs can run into a few hiccups while preparing Low Carb Chicken Parmesan. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
- Chicken Breasts Not Cooking Evenly: Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking.
- Coating Falling Off: Ensure the chicken is well-coated in the egg wash and press the almond flour mixture firmly onto the chicken.
- Soggy Bottom: Use a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking, but not too much that it makes the coating soggy.
- Overcooked Cheese: Keep an eye on the chicken while baking to avoid burning the cheese; you want it melted and bubbly, not brown and crispy.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Low Carb Chicken Parmesan fresh and delicious, follow these tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Ask & Learn
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe, offering a slightly richer flavor and tenderness.
Is there a substitute for almond flour?
If almond flour isn’t available, you can use coconut flour, though you may need to adjust the quantity since coconut flour is more absorbent.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake it as directed.
What can I serve with Low Carb Chicken Parmesan?
Complement it with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even some zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
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Wrap-Up
The Low Carb Chicken Parmesan is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian dish, but it’s also a healthy alternative that fits perfectly into your lifestyle. With its crunchy coating, savory flavors, and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Cooking it is a breeze, and the results are undeniably delicious. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family with this delightful meal!
Low Carb Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
- Step 2: Seasoning - Mix 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Rub this mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Step 3: Prepare the Coating - Whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and cracked pepper. Combine almond flour and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl.
- Step 4: Dredge the Chicken - Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat with the almond flour and Parmesan mixture.
- Step 5: Cook the Chicken - Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook coated chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 6: Assemble - Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place browned chicken on top, pour remaining sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 7: Bake - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Step 8: Garnish and Serve - Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot with a fresh salad or low carb side.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- For freezing, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
