LOW CARB CHICKEN PARMESAN IN UNDER 30 MINUTES (gluten free)
This low carb Chicken Parmesan is a quick, healthy, and easy recipe to throw together in under 30 minutes. Your WHOLE family is sure to enjoy this not-so-traditional Italian dish!
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If you have ever tried to lose weight, you know that most Italian dishes are off limits. I used to be the girl that believed I couldn’t eat Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmesan. The more I have learned about nutrition over the years, I have learned the art of healthy and balanced meals.
When my husband and I go on a date and I really want something, instead of saying, “I can’t eat that” I tell myself “that is a wonderful and pleasurable meal that I am going to enjoy in moderation.” I will eat it guilt free but will not over indulge. If I really want to feel my best, I will get a side salad and eat about half of my main dish.
Other than our monthly dates, we don’t eat out. I am a big fan though of eating some of our favorite restaurant style foods that at home and in healthier versions. Chicken parmesan is one of our family favorite meals.
It looks deceivingly elegant but actually is not very difficult. Here at Living Practically, my recipes are simple and can be made with ingredients you probably already have at home!
What makes this Healthy Chicken Parmesan recipe different than others?
Instead of using traditional or Panko bread crumbs, this recipe uses grated Parmesan cheese with some seasonings to give it a little crunch. Not only does that make this recipe low carb, it also makes it gluten free!
WHY I LOVE LOW CARB CHICKEN PARMESAN
PACKED FULL OF FLAVOR. Italian food is known for its spices, pasta, and flavors. This healthy chicken parmesan is still delicious with that famous flavor, without some of the extra calories of traditional chicken parmesan.
GLUTEN FREE. This recipe is gluten free by nature (no bread crumbs) but most people tend to eat it with pasta. Switch out the pasta with spaghetti squash for a healthier side option!
QUICK AND EASY. No joke, you can throw this meal together in under 30 minutes. Even if you have never made it before, it is so simple! Coat the chicken, fry in an oven safe skillet, add spaghetti sauce and cheese, broil and enjoy!
LOW CARB. Because it does not have a fattening breading, it is a great low carb dinner option!
EASY CLEANUP. As a busy mom, I just don’t have the time, energy, and frankly the desire to wash dishes after supper. You can make this chicken parmesan in ONE skillet, like a cast iron or other oven safe skillet. Naturally you will have the dishes for your sides, but just ONE for the chicken. I call that a win!
INGREDIENTS IN HEALTHY CHICKEN PARMESAN
As long as you keep a decently well stocked kitchen, this recipe is great for you to throw together last minute because you have everything on hand.
- CHEESE– grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and fresh shredded parmesan for garnish
- SPICES– salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
- CHICKEN– a couple of breasts that are pounded and thin. Smaller, thin pieces will help the chicken cook evenly and ensure it gets fully cooked.
- OIL– oil of choice. I recommend olive oil or coconut oil.
- SPAGHETTI SAUCE– You can do homemade or store bought. If looking to make healthier choices, look for one that doesn’t have any added sugar.
RELATED: Try my not-so-traditional STROMBOLI recipe for another fun and unique supper idea!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN PARMESAN
There are so many options for what to serve with chicken parmesan. If you are not watching your carbs, you can serve noodles, whole wheat noodles, fettuccini noodles, etc. Zoodles (zucchini noodles) and buttered spaghetti squash are some of my favorites for gluten free options, or low carb if that is your thing.
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2-3 chicken breasts about 1 pound
- 2 Tbsp. oil of choice
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- fresh parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cut off any pieces of fat on the chicken. If the breasts are very thick, cut in half lengthwise. Place the raw chicken in a Ziplock bag and pound until all pieces are thin and comparable in height.
- Mix parmesan cheese & spices in a pie pan or plate. (Use a disposable for easy cleanup!) Coat chicken on both sides.
- Heat oven safe skillet, I use a cast iron skillet over stove. Drizzle 2 Tbsp of oil in skillet. (Use coconut oil for a healthier choice.) Once the pan is good and hot, put chicken in skillet. You should hear a sizzle. Turn on other side after 2-4 minutes. Remove chicken breasts onto a paper towel. Let the skillet cool for a few minutes.
- Pour half a jar of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the skillet. Place the parmesan crusted chicken back into the skillet. Pour a little more pasta sauce on each chicken breast. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Broil at 400° for 5-8 minutes.
- Serve with spaghetti noodles, fettuccini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
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