Discover the Joy of Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan
Craving a comforting classic without the gluten? This gluten free chicken parmesan recipe delivers all the familiar flavors and textures you love, perfectly adapted for a gluten-free lifestyle. Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden-brown chicken, smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a weeknight dinner dream come true!
This recipe is designed to be both satisfying and easy to prepare. We understand the challenges of gluten-free cooking, which is why we’ve focused on simple steps and readily available ingredients. And if you are looking for another easy dinner, check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Curry recipe.
Why This Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Recipe Works
Many assume that going gluten-free means sacrificing favorite dishes. However, with a few clever swaps, you can enjoy the same delicious meals without any compromise. This gluten free chicken parmesan achieves that authentic taste and texture by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, ensuring a crispy coating that rivals the traditional version.
If you’re new to gluten-free cooking, don’t worry! This recipe is very approachable. For more tips and guidance, explore our article on understanding gluten-free flours to help you navigate the world of gluten-free baking and cooking with confidence. Also, make sure you have a delicious dessert to pair with our chicken parmesan, like our Gluten Free Cannoli.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create the perfect gluten-free chicken parmesan:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This ensures the chicken parmesan will bake evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a pie pan or shallow bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until well combined. Set aside for dipping the chicken.
- Combine Gluten-Free Flour and Cornstarch: In another pie pan or shallow dish, mix together ½ cup of gluten-free flour and ¼ cup of cornstarch. This mixture will be the first layer of coating for your chicken, providing a base for the breadcrumbs.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate pie pan or shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of gluten-free bread crumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season and Dredge the Chicken: Season 6 skinless, boneless thin-sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Dredge each chicken breast in the gluten-free flour mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Dip each gluten-free flour-coated chicken breast into the whisked eggs, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Coat with Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Immediately after the egg wash, dip the chicken into the gluten-free breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to both sides. Repeat for each chicken cutlet.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat ½ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remember, the chicken will finish cooking in the oven, so this step is just to create a crispy exterior.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a greased baking dish. Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of your favorite gluten-free marinara sauce.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil, and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly and the chicken is completely cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use your favorite dairy-free cheese. Violife dairy-free mozzarella shreds and Follow Your Heart dairy-free parmesan cheese are excellent choices.
Enjoy your delicious and easy gluten-free chicken parmesan!
The Ultimate Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Craving a classic comfort food without the gluten? Look no further! This gluten-free chicken parmesan recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken coated in flavorful breadcrumbs and smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make any night of the week. This is the perfect dish to pair with gluten-free pasta.
Ingredients
- 6 skinless, boneless thin-sliced chicken breasts, or skinless, boneless chicken breasts halved to make fillets
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs, I like 4C gluten-free panko bread crumbs. I buy it at Walmart.
- 1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs, I like 4C gluten-free bread crumbs. I buy it at Walmart.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, For dairy-free: I like Follow Your Heart dairy-free parmesan cheese.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup gluten-free flour, I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour.
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup gluten-free marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded, For dairy-free: I like Violife dairy-free mozzarella cheese shreds.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, For dairy-free: I like Follow Your Heart dairy-free parmesan cheese.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Nutritional Information and Gluten-Free Benefits
This gluten-free chicken parmesan recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also offers several nutritional benefits. By using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, this dish is suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 697 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 57g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy a balanced meal by serving with a side of gluten-free pasta or a fresh salad.
Key Gluten-Free Considerations:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Using a quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is crucial. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to achieve that perfect crispy coating.
- Marinara Sauce: Always double-check the label of your marinara sauce to ensure it is gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten.
Tips, Substitutions, and Variations
Make this gluten-free chicken parmesan your own with these helpful tips and variations:
- Dairy-Free Option: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan cheese alternatives. Brands like Violife and Follow Your Heart offer excellent substitutes.
- Egg-Free Option: If you’re avoiding eggs, try using heavy cream or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as a binding agent.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the breadcrumb mixture. Dried basil, oregano, and thyme are all great options.
- Chicken Cutlets: If you can’t find thin-sliced chicken breasts, simply slice regular chicken breasts in half horizontally to create cutlets.
Baking Tips:
For even cooking, use a reliable baking dish and ensure the chicken is evenly spaced. A meat thermometer is essential to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Recommended Products:
- For best results, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- A large mixing bowl will make preparing the breading mixture easier.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Whisk eggs in a pie pan or shallow bowl and set aside.
- Mix together the gluten-free flour and cornstarch in a pie pan or shallow dish.
- Mix together the gluten-free bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a pie pan or shallow bowl.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper and dredge in chicken in the gluten-free flour mixture on both sides.
- Dip the gluten-free flour-coated chicken breast into the whisked eggs. Then Dip chicken into the gluten-free breadcrumb mixture to evenly coat on both sides. Repeat for each chicken cutlet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook chicken in the hot oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Transfer the chicken to a greased baking dish. Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the gluten-free marinara sauce.
- Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbly and the chicken breasts and the chicken is completely cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F.
- Save leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- For Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free cheese. I like Violife dairy-free mozzarella shreds and Follow Your Heart dairy-free parmesan cheese.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
Enjoy Your Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan!
This recipe brings all the classic flavors of chicken parmesan to your table, without any gluten! Enjoy the satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness, knowing it’s safe and delicious for everyone.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of good quality mixing bowls is essential for combining your ingredients.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measuring is key for baking success.
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Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – Great for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
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