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Home » Main Dishes

Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan (Low Carb, Dairy-Free Option)

Published: Jan 11, 2023 by Felicia Lim · This post may contain affiliate links

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Chicken parmesan on a plate and on a baking sheet.
Lifting up a portion of chicken parmesan.

This delicious gluten-free chicken parmesan (also known as chicken parmigiana) is the perfect main dish – breaded chicken cutlets baked till golden and spread with a homemade tomato sauce, topped with layers of glorious cheese, sprinkled with dried herbs for flavor.

Thanks to a breading made with almond flour and coconut flour, this is a low carb meal that can easily be made dairy-free too! Serve with a side of salad (or eat it own its own)!

Using a spatula to lift up a portion of gluten-free chicken parmesan from a baking dish.
Jump to:
  • What is Chicken Parmesan?
  • Is Chicken Parm a Thing in Italy?
  • Why This Recipe Works:
  • Ingredients You’ll Need:
  • Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
  • How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan (Step by Step):
  • Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan:
  • Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
  • Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan (Low Carb, Dairy-Free Option)

What is Chicken Parmesan?

If you’ve never heard of chicken parmesan before, don’t worry.

Chicken parmesan, chicken parmigiana, or “chicken parm” for short, all refer to the same thing.

It is basically an American dish that consists of baked or fried breaded chicken breasts that are then spread with tomato sauce, topped with a generous amount of cheese (usually mozzarella and parmesan) and then baked until golden brown on top.

cornbread in a cast iron skillet
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Is Chicken Parm a Thing in Italy?

We’ve been living in Italy for the past 6 months, and Juan and I eat out at least 2 times a week, and to be honest, we haven’t seen chicken parmesan on any of the authentic Italian restaurant menus.

I haven’t tried asking for it yet, but I’m pretty sure if I asked any waiter for it, he or she would look at me like… “What on earth are you talking about?“

So, I’m sorry to break it to you. But while “Chicken Parmigiana” might sounds like a classic Italian dish, chicken parm is definitely not a thing in La Bella Italia.

However, parmesan chicken is well-known and widely loved in the United States, and for good reason! And in Argentina (where Juan is from and where I lived for almost a decade), it’s actually a thing, and it’s called “milanesa napolitana“.

Try this easy recipe if you haven’t – the whole family is gonna love it!

A portion of gluten-free chicken parmigiana on a plate.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for this baked chicken parmesan are easily available at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
  • Easy to Make: While it does require quite a bit of hands-on time, making this gluten-free chicken parmigiana is actually very simple, and anyone can make this chicken recipe, even if it’s your first time!
  • Totally Gluten-Free & Low-Carb with a Dairy-Free Option: Traditional chicken parm uses breadcrumb mixture made with wheat flour, but this gluten free chicken parmesan recipe uses a grain-free coating mixture made of almond flour and coconut flour (both low carb flours that are naturally gluten-free). The cheese can also be easily swapped out for dairy-free cheeses with the exact same outcome. This means that it is 100% gluten-free and that even those with Celiac disease, or gluten or lactose intolerances, or those simply on a gluten-free diet can enjoy this easy dinner without issues!
A baking sheet with freshly made gluten-free chicken parmesan casserole.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this gluten-free chicken parmesan recipe.

(For exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Ingredients for gluten-free chicken parmesan recipe laid out on board.

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

  • Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but you may use other vegetable oils if you prefer (such as sunflower oil, corn oil, avocado oil or coconut oil).
  • Chicken Breast: Since this is a recipe for chicken parmesan, skinless chicken breast is the main ingredient. However, you may also use turkey breast if you prefer. Make sure to pound the chicken cutlets evenly for best results.
  • Eggs: Eggs are used to help bind the breading to the chicken cutlets. I have not personally made this recipe without eggs, but if you are allergic to eggs, you may use acquafaba or an egg-replacer instead. (If you do make this without eggs, please let me know how it goes in the comments below, I’d love to know!)
  • Breading: To keep this gluten-free chicken parmesan casserole low-carb, I’ve used a mix of almond flour and coconut flour instead of normal breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you may also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or normal breadcrumbs if you prefer.
  • Tomato Sauce: I recommend using the homemade tomato sauce in the recipe (see this post for more details on homemade tomato sauce), but you can also use store-bought marinara sauce if you prefer (it won’t be as tasty or flavorful, but you’ll save time).
  • Mozzarella Cheese: If you are lactose-intolerant, you may use dairy-free mozzarella cheese instead.
  • Parmesan Cheese: If you are lactose-intolerant, you may use dairy-free parmesan cheese instead.
  • Italian Seasoning: I like using the blend of Italian seasoning (available at most supermarkets). Alternatively, you may make your own blend by mixing equal amounts of dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
  • Red Chili Flakes: I like sprinkling red chili flakes on top of the cheese for a little pop of color and a kick of heat. Feel free to leave it out if you don’t want heat.
  • Fresh Basil: You can either top with chicken parmesan with whole fresh basil leaves, or sliced leaves.

How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan (Step by Step):

1. Grease Baking Tray

Prepare a large baking tray with a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.

2. Slice Chicken Breasts into Fillets

Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breast into even fillets, making sure they aren’t too thin. About ½-⅓  inch will be ok. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken fillets dry.

Thinly sliced chicken fillets on a red chopping board.

3. Dip Chicken Fillets in Egg Wash

Beat the eggs in a medium size bowl and add ½ tsp salt. Dip each chicken fillet with the egg mixture.

Dipping chicken fillets into a bowl of beaten eggs.

4. Bread Chicken Fillets

Place almond flour and coconut flour into a separate shallow bowl and mix well to combine.

Coat the egg-dipped chicken fillets with the almond flour-coconut flour breading mix until covered all over, shaking any excess breading off.

Coating chicken fillets with keto breading.

5. Preheat Oven

Place chicken cutlets in the prepared sheet pan. Set it aside. Preheat the oven to 400F.

(TIP: Brush breaded chicken fillets with olive oil on both sides for golden-breaded chicken.)

Breaded chicken fillets on a baking tray ready to be baked.

6. Prepare Tomato Sauce

Prepare the sauce by placing chopped onion in a medium-sized saucepan with a tbsp of olive oil. Sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Next, add tomato puree, dried Italian herbs, and salt. Cover with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of filtered water and simmer until it has thickened again (about another 20 minutes).

(TIP: Longer simmering will result in better flavor as it reduces the acidity provided by tomato puree. So make sure you don’t skip the simmering!)

A saucepan with tomato sauce and dried herbs on top.

7. Bake Until Golden

Bake chicken on one side for 8 minutes or until golden brown on the base and it forms a crispy crust.

Baked chicken cutlets on a baking tray.

8. Spread Sauce Over Chicken Cutlets

Flip the baked chicken cutlets over and coat them with the prepared tomato sauce.

Spreading tomato sauce over baked chicken cutlets.

9. Top With Cheese and Bake

Top with the diced mozzarella and shredded parmesan. Return it to the oven for another 8 minutes until the cheese has melted or until the cheese is golden brown.

Topping chicken cutlets with tomato sauce and cheese.

10. Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Serve warm with fresh basil leaves as garnish. Enjoy your chicken parm!

Chicken parmesan garnished with fresh basil leaves and red chili pepper flakes.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

  • Homemade Tomato Sauce: I recommend making your own homemade tomato sauce, but if you’re short on time, store-bought sauce will work just as well.
  • Make Sure Fillets are of Even Thickness: If necessary, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken fillets to even thickness so that when the fillets all cook in roughly the same amount of time.
  • Pat Fillets Dry Before Dredging: Use a paper towel to pat the chicken fillets dry before you dip them in the beaten eggs and then coat them in the breading mixture. This will help the breading to stay on the chicken better.
  • Don’t Care for Low Carb? If you don’t want to make a low carb breading, simply use gluten free bread crumbs instead.
Lifting up a portion of low carb chicken parmesan from baking tray.

Recipe FAQs:

What is the difference between chicken parmigiana and parmesan?

“Parmigiana” is Italian for “parmesan”, so both chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan mean the exact same thing.

How do you keep breading on chicken parmesan?

To ensure that the breading stays on the chicken fillets, it’s important that you pay the raw chicken fillets dry before starting the dredging process. It’s an extra step, but one you don’t want to omit!

What can I substitute for chicken breast?

Since this is a recipe for chicken parmesan, chicken breast is the main ingredient. However, you may also use turkey breast if you prefer. Make sure to pound the chicken cutlets evenly for best results.

How to Store Chicken Parmesan

Place any leftover gluten-free chicken parm in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat this chicken parm in the oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes. Note: it won’t be crispy as freshly made. I do not recommend freezing this chicken parmesan.

A portion of baked chicken parmesan on a plate.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan:

I like to balance out the protein from the chicken with some veggies, and here are some of our favorite vegetarian sides!

  • Air Fryer Green Beans (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Sautéed Shredded Brussels Sprouts (Gluten-Free)
  • Roasted Rainbow Carrots (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles (Gluten-Free)
  • Cauliflower Couscous (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

If you like potatoes, here are some of the most popular potato sides!

  • Air Fryer Tater Tots (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Crispy Air Fried Potato Wedges (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Air Fryer French Fries (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Crispy Hasselback Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

For more substantial sides if you want something heartier:

  • Gluten free spaghetti
  • Rice
  • Mashed Potatoes

Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

  • Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • Gluten-free Teriyaki Chicken
  • Grain-free Chicken Avocado Flaxseed Wraps

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan (Low Carb, Dairy-Free Option)


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This delicious gluten-free chicken parmesan (also known as chicken parmigiana) is the perfect main dish – breaded chicken cutlets baked till golden and spread with a homemade tomato sauce, topped with layers of glorious cheese, sprinkled with dried herbs for flavor.

Thanks to a breading made with almond flour and coconut flour, this is a low carb meal that can easily be made dairy-free too! Serve with a side of salad (or eat it own its own)!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Breaded Chicken Cutlets:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 28oz boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt divided
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour

For the Homemade Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 15 oz can tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup water

For Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded (use dairy-free if needed)
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (use dairy-free if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, for sprinkling on top of cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Grease Baking Tray: Prepare a large baking tray with a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.
  2. Slice Chicken Breasts: Slice chicken breast into fillets, making sure they aren’t too thin. About ½-⅓  inch will be ok. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken fillets dry.
  3. Bread Chicken Cutlets: Beat the eggs in a medium size bowl and add ½ tsp salt. Place almond flour and coconut flour into another bowl and mix well to combine. Dip each chicken fillet with the egg mixture.
  4. Bread Chicken Fillets: Coat each fillet with the almond flour-coconut flour breading mix, making sure that they are coated evenly all over, shaking any extra breading off. Place breaded chicken in the prepared baking tray. Set it aside.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F. Pro Tip: brush breaded chicken fillets with olive oil on both sides for golden-breaded chicken.
  6. Prepare Tomato Sauce: Prepare the sauce by placing chopped onion in a medium-sized saucepan with a tbsp of olive oil. Sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Next, add tomato puree, dried Italian herbs, and salt. Cover with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup filtered water and simmer over low heat for another 20 minutes.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Bake chicken on one side for 8 minutes or until golden brown on the base.
  8. Spread Sauce Over Chicken Fillets: Flip the chicken fillets over and coat them with the prepared tomato sauce.
  9. Top With Cheese and Bake: Topping with the diced mozzarella and shredded parmesan. Return it to the oven for another 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top of the cheese is golden brown.
  10. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Serve warm with fresh basil leaves as garnish. Enjoy your chicken parm!

Notes

Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but you may use other vegetable oils if you prefer (such as sunflower oil, corn oil, avocado oil or coconut oil).

Chicken Breast: Since this is a recipe for chicken parmesan, chicken breast is the main ingredient. However, you may also use turkey breast if you prefer. Make sure to pound the chicken cutlets evenly for best results.

Eggs: Eggs are used to help bind the breading to the chicken cutlets. I have not personally made this recipe without eggs, but if you are allergic to eggs, you may use acquafaba or an egg-replacer instead. (If you do make this without eggs, please let me know how it goes in the comments below, I’d love to know!)

Breading: To keep this recipe low-carb, I’ve used a mix of almond flour and coconut flour instead of normal breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you may also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or normal breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Tomato Sauce: I recommend using the homemade tomato sauce in the recipe (see this post for more details on homemade tomato sauce), but you can also use store-bought tomato sauce if you prefer (it won’t be as tasty or flavorful, but you’ll save time).

Mozzarella Cheese: If you are lactose-intolerant, you may use dairy-free mozzarella cheese instead.

Parmesan Cheese: If you are lactose-intolerant, you may use dairy-free parmesan cheese instead.

Italian Seasoning: I like using the blend of Italian seasoning (available at most supermarkets). Alternatively, you may make your own blend by mixing equal amounts of dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried parsley.

Red Chili Flakes: I like sprinkling red chili flakes on top of the cheese for a little pop of color and a kick of heat. Feel free to leave it out if you don’t want heat.

Fresh Basil: You can either top with chicken parmesan with whole fresh basil leaves, or sliced leaves.

Storing: Place any leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat this chicken parm in the oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes. Note: it won’t be crispy as freshly made. I do not recommend freezing this chicken parmesan.

  • Prep Time: 50 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: gluten-free chicken parmesan

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram and hashtag it #dishbydish

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About Felicia

Hey you! I’m Felicia, a Singaporean girl who moved to Buenos Aires for love. A couple of things about me: I love food, writing and food photography. I wrote a grain-free ecookbook that I know you’ll love and I also do freelance writing and photography if you want to work with me. Follow me on this blog as I navigate the world of cooking gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free.

Did you make a recipe? Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram. I love to see what you cook!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grace Lim says

    January 14, 2023 at 12:57 am

    Hi Felicia!

    You are quite right cos we, here in SG, have never heard of the Chicken Parmesan in our local eating places.

    The dish looks very cheesy and I am sure goes very well with cheese lover (definitely not daddy).

    Being gluten-free, it is a great dish to serve Juan and I can imagine him smiling from cheek to cheek as he enjoys every bite of this chicken parmesan.

    Have a great day!
    Mum

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Felicia Lim says

      January 16, 2023 at 6:23 am

      Yes, this is definitely for cheese lovers. In fact, it’s sort of like a pizza, only that instead of putting the tomato sauce and cheese on top of pizza crust, it’s on a breaded chicken cutlet!

      Reply

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I’m Felicia: a girl from Singapore who moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina for love. My husband is Celiac so I test and share gluten-free recipes on my blog! I help people with food intolerances and allergies cook and eat delicious, healthy food! Stay a while, and let's be friends! ♥

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