This keto chicken parmesan is a total game-changer! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in savory tomato sauce with plenty of gooey, melted cheese—then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s everything you love about classic chicken parm, but made completely low-carb and gluten-free.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy keto dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and is guaranteed to satisfy even picky eaters. It’s fast, flavorful, and so good you’ll want to make it on repeat!
No need for a long list of ingredients—this keto chicken parmesan keeps things simple and satisfying. With just chicken breast, eggs, and shredded mozzarella, you can whip up a crispy, oven-baked chicken dinner that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this easy recipe. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken breasts with a golden, crunchy coating, topped with rich marinara sauce and a generous layer of melty mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of low-carb, family-friendly meal that will have everyone asking for seconds—and no one will believe it’s keto!
- 1 Why You’re Going to Love This Keto Chicken Parmesan
- 2 Ingredients Needed for Keto Chicken Parmesan
- 3 How to Make Keto Chicken Parmesan (Step-by-Step)
- 4 Tips for Making the Best Keto Chicken Parmesan
- 5 Serving Ideas
- 6 Storing Ideas
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 More Chicken Recipes
- 9 Keto Chicken Parmesan
Why You’re Going to Love This Keto Chicken Parmesan
This isn’t your average chicken dinner. Here’s why this keto chicken parmesan is about to become your go-to comfort meal:
- Crispy, Golden, and Juicy – You get all the crunch of traditional chicken parmesan without the carbs. The coating turns beautifully golden while the inside stays juicy and tender.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Made without breadcrumbs, this recipe fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle—no flour or guilt here!
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes – Quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty without the fuss.
- Family-Approved – Even the carb-lovers at your table will devour this cheesy, saucy chicken—no one will know it’s keto.
- Baked, Not Fried – This version skips the deep fryer but still delivers big on texture and flavor, thanks to a crispy oven-baked coating.
- Foolproof and Versatile – Great as a standalone dish or served over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a bed of sautéed spinach for a complete meal.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – Just a handful of kitchen staples are all you need to make this mouthwatering dish from scratch.
Ingredients Needed for Keto Chicken Parmesan
One of the best things about this low-carb chicken parmesan recipe is that it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can find in nearly any grocery store. No complicated steps, no fancy flours—just clean, delicious flavors that come together beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but both work well for this recipe.
- Italian Seasoning – Try mixing your own Italian seasoning at home to avoid those from the store that contain other preservatives between dried herbs.
- Garlic Powder – Infuses the chicken with rich, aromatic depth without the need for fresh garlic.
- Paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and helps give the coating a warm, golden color.
- Sal&Pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor. Add to taste.
- Mustard – Use mustard as a binding ingredient before coating the chicken. It helps the almond flour mixture stick to the chicken, providing a crispier texture.
- Mayonnaise – Keeps the chicken moist and tender, and contributes to a crispy finish when baked.
- Parmesan Cheese – Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and a slightly salty, nutty crunch in the breading.
- Almond Flour – It provides a crunchy coating while keeping the dish keto-friendly.
- Marinara Sauce – Choose a sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own to keep the carbs low. Just a few spoonfuls bring that rich Italian flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella for that gooey, melty goodness.
- Olive Oil – A light drizzle over the top helps the coating crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Keto Chicken Parmesan (Step-by-Step)
This easy keto chicken parmesan recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers everything you love about the classic dish—without the carbs. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare chicken by slicing each breast in half lengthwise.
- Mix wet ingredients: Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken, coating evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine almond or coconut flour, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in the dry mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Top chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Broil for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Making the Best Keto Chicken Parmesan
For the crispiest, juiciest, most flavorful keto chicken parmesan, follow these easy tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time:
- Slice Chicken Evenly – For faster and more even cooking, slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner, uniform cutlets. This prevents dry edges and undercooked centers and ensures each piece bakes evenly.
- Coat Thoroughly in the Mayo Mixture – Make sure to toss each chicken piece evenly in the mayonnaise and mustard mixture. This not only locks in moisture but also helps the breading adhere and adds tangy, rich flavor in every bite.
- Press the Coating Firmly – After dredging in the almond flour-Parmesan mixture, gently press the coating onto each cutlet. This helps it stick better and creates a crispier, more satisfying crust once baked.
- Brush or Spray with Olive Oil – Lightly brush the tops of the coated chicken with olive oil or spray with avocado oil cooking spray before baking. This helps the coating turn golden and crunchy in the oven without frying.
- Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes—20 to 25 minutes is usually enough depending on thickness. Overbaking can dry out the chicken. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Skip the pre-shredded stuff—freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and deliver richer flavor without anti-caking agents.
- Choose Quality Marinara – Use a sugar-free marinara sauce (or make your own) to avoid added carbs and get a fresher taste. Look for one with simple, clean ingredients and no added sugars.
- Add Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost – Garnish your finished chicken with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the cheese.
Serving Ideas
- Serve Keto Chicken Parmesan over spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
- Cauliflower Rice. Pair the chicken with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly and satisfying side.
- With a Side Salad. Create a fresh and crisp side salad with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, drizzled with a keto-friendly dressing.
- Wrapped in Lettuce. Enjoy a low-carb twist by wrapping the Chicken Parmesan in large lettuce leaves for a tasty, handheld option.
- Cauliflower Mash. Replace traditional mashed potatoes with creamy cauliflower mash as a satisfying and keto-friendly base.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: Store any leftover Keto Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: If you need to store it longer, consider freezing. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date and store it for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven to help restore the crispiness of the coating. Microwaving may compromise the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute for breasts in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might need a bit of adjusting to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through.
What if I want to use a different cheese than mozzarella?
Go for it! There are plenty of keto-friendly cheeses out there that would taste fantastic on top of this dish. Try cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of your favorites to switch things up.
Is it okay to make this keto chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Definitely! Although it’s at its best when fresh, this dish can be prepared ahead. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a delicious meal but are short on time.
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Keto Chicken Parmesan
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts sliced lengthwise
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 3/4 cup almond flour or 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise to make two thinner pieces.
- In a large bowl, create the wet mixture by combining the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the sliced chicken to this bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated on all sides.
- In a separate large bowl, mix together the almond or coconut flour, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and additional salt and pepper for the dry mixture.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the dry mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush the chicken with olive oil to help achieve a golden color and crispy texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the coating has turned a dark golden brown.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and evenly spoon the marinara sauce over the cooked chicken. Top each piece with mozzarella cheese.
- Return the pan to the oven and broil for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
1 comment
I’m so glad I found you! This keto chicken parm recipe was delicious. It was quick and easy. I did have a lot of the coating leftover but next time I’ll cut back. Thank you for sharing.