There’s Something Special About Keto Chicken Parmesan
I love hosting family gatherings, and one dish that never fails to impress is Keto Chicken Parmesan. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially for those nights when I want something delicious but still adhere to my low-carb lifestyle. The crunchy, golden-brown coating, combined with rich marinara sauce and bubbling cheese, always brings smiles to the table. My friends and family often ask for the recipe, and what’s great is that it’s incredibly easy to whip up, even on weeknights!
If you’re looking for a dish that ticks all the boxes—comforting, satisfying, and low-carb—this Keto Chicken Parmesan will quickly become a favorite in your household as well.
Why make this recipe?
You should give Keto Chicken Parmesan a try for several fantastic reasons. First, the flavor profile is simply unbeatable. With a crispy almond flour coating, zesty marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish offers a taste experience that you won’t forget. Plus, it’s an absolute delight for both adults and kids. My children devour it every time I make it!
Another appealing aspect is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just about 35 minutes from start to finish, you can serve a homemade dinner without spending all evening in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for those on a budget. You can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
And let’s not forget about nutrition; this keto-friendly version allows you to enjoy classic flavors without the carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry! The process is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through every step.
How to make Keto Chicken Parmesan
Getting started on Keto Chicken Parmesan is a breeze. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and roughly 20 minutes for cooking. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or intimate family dinners. All you need are a few common kitchen tools: a meat mallet, non-stick frying pan, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Now, let’s get to the ingredients you will need for this scrumptious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds small chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- 2 cups almond flour (used for coating)
- 3 large eggs (whisked)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying, such as olive or avocado oil)
- 2 cups keto marinara sauce (sugar-free or low-carb)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (freshly sliced)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Step-by-step directions
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Season the chicken with salt, and coat both sides lightly with almond flour. This helps in creating that perfect crispy texture.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re fluffy. Get another bowl ready and combine the grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining almond flour.
Next, dip each chicken breast into the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it with the parmesan-almond flour mixture. Repeat this step for every chicken breast to ensure a good distribution of coating.
Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken and fry for 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns a beautiful golden color. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes.
After frying, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the fried chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Now, it’s time to get creative! Top each piece of chicken with marinara sauce, slices of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven and serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy!
How to serve Keto Chicken Parmesan?
Serving Keto Chicken Parmesan is all about simplicity and flavor. Pair it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a light touch. You might also consider zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash as a satisfying, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. For those who like a kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving to add extra flavor.
If you want to impress, garnish your plates with fresh basil or parsley. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also enhances the overall taste!
How to store Keto Chicken Parmesan?
Once you make this delicious meal, chances are you won’t have much left! However, if you do, you can store it. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze Keto Chicken Parmesan. Just wrap the individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. In the freezer, they last up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips for perfect Keto Chicken Parmesan
Uniform Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts helps it cook evenly, so don’t skip this step!
Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella. Pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the meltiness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, affecting that crispy texture.
Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s baking. Ovens can vary. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbling, not burned.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to mix your favorite herbs into the coating for added flavor, like Italian seasoning or fresh oregano.
Variations
Herbed Chicken Parmesan: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the almond flour mixture for a fresh flavor twist.
Spicy Version: If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a satisfying plant-based version.
FAQs about Keto Chicken Parmesan
Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor or texture, you can use coconut flour. Just remember, coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you might need to adjust the amounts of liquid.
Why is my chicken not crispy?
If your chicken isn’t crispy, it might be due to too much moisture on the surface or overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming. Make sure to dry the chicken well after pounding and fry them in batches.
Will this recipe work if I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! You can use store-bought marinara sauce, but check the label for added sugars to ensure it fits your keto guidelines. Opt for sugar-free or low-carb options for the best results.
Enjoy making Keto Chicken Parmesan, and may it bring joy and deliciousness to your family gatherings!
Print
Keto Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A deliciously satisfying low-carb version of the classic Chicken Parmesan, featuring crispy almond flour coating, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds small chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- 2 cups almond flour (used for coating)
- 3 large eggs (whisked)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying, such as olive or avocado oil)
- 2 cups keto marinara sauce (sugar-free or low-carb)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (freshly sliced)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Season the chicken with salt and coat both sides lightly with almond flour.
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl until fluffy and prepare another bowl with grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and remaining almond flour.
- Dip each chicken breast into eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with the parmesan-almond flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat, add chicken, and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place fried chicken on the baking sheet. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and is slightly golden.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
Pair with a garden salad and zoodles for a complete meal. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Keywords: Keto, Chicken Parmesan, Low Carb, Italian Recipe, Comfort Food, Family Dinner