Cozy, rich and delicious, I can’t get enough of this No Breading Chicken Parm. 100% gluten free and low carb, it’s easily one of my favorite comfort foods. If you want to satisfy that craving for Italian food without much effort, this is perfect for you. It’s a quick, tasty recipe made with whole ingredients (fewer processed ingredients). Chicken Parmesan is one of my favorite Italian restaurant dishes, so I love this easy version.
This quick, easy recipe is a 30 minute meal and the ideal family friendly recipe. I also really love that it requires no breading or frying. This recipe is a no-breading or frying dish, so it feels lighter than a regular chicken parm. It is also fast, grain free, and totally gluten free, too.
It’ll be an instant family favorite. Serve it with a simple Italian salad recipe like this Zucchini Salad Recipe or my Italian Grinder Salad if you want to bulk the meal up a little. It’s also delicious with this Burrata Salad. Here is a round up of more of my favorite Gluten Free Dinner Recipes to try.
Why you’ll love this gluten free recipe
Everything is cooked in one pan or skillet, so it’s a low-mess, minimal clean-up kind of meal that I love.
This no breading chicken parm recipe comes together in minutes, guys. It’s an easy and quick weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients and substitutions
Chicken filets: You can also use deboned chicken thighs in this no breading chicken parm recipe.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shred your own mozzarella if you can, for the best melt. Or, use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese or even a dairy free substitute.
Marinara sauce: Make sure any store bought tomato sauce is gluten free. Use a homemade tomato sauce completely made from scratch if you have it. Make a semi homemade sauce with jars of unseasoned tomato sauce and add your own seasoning.
Fresh bruschetta: For the perfect, breadcrumb free topping.
Fresh basil: I love the little pop of freshness from the fresh basil leaves in my No Breading Chicken Parm.
Seasoning: I like to use garlic, salt and pepper. You can also add in some Italian seasoning into the mix.
Olive oil: To pan fry the chicken in. Avocado oil works as a delicious alternative, has a high smoke point and is pretty neutral in flavor.
Directions (step by step)
Start by seasoning each chicken filet with salt, pepper and garlic powder. You can also add in some Italian seasoning if you like (optional).
Pan-fry the chicken breast in a skillet until the chicken has cooked through.
Top the Unbreaded chicken parmesan with the cheese.
Add in the marinara sauce and simmer on low for 2 to 4 minutes or until the cheese has melted. You can also pop the skillet into the oven and broil it. Both options work well!
Top the dish with fresh bruschetta, finish with basil, salt and pepper.
Expert tips and tricks
Do not overcook the chicken. I always use my digital meat thermometer to check when it hits 160 degrees, so I do not overcook. This will ensure tender and juicy chicken.
Make sure to use a flavorful marinara sauce. This is the base of this easy baked chicken parmesan no breading recipe.
For even cooking, I like to pound the chicken, just to get the filets roughly the same size. This helps to prevent dry edges and undercooked centers.
Freshly shred your mozzarella cheese. I’m all about convenience, but I’ve found that freshly shredded mozzarella cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which is often coated with an anti-caking agent.
Broil your gluten-free chicken Parmesan for bubbling cheese. Just keep your eye on it…
Expert tip: Broil for 1-3 minutes to get a nice golden brown cheese topping (make sure to be watching constantly so it doesn’t burn!)
Storage and meal prepping
I suggest storing leftover No Breading Chicken Parm in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you want to reheat the leftover unbreaded chicken parm, pop them in a skillet with some water (a smidge) or warm it in the microwave. You want to keep the chicken juicy, so don’t overheat it.
You can freeze this leftover low-carb chicken parmesan, but I find that the cheese doesn’t freeze very well. I prefer to freeze it without the cheese and top with fresh cheese when I want to reheat it. This will remain frozen for approximately 2 months.
In terms of meal prepping, I prefer to make this chicken parmesan without breading from scratch, rather than using a store bought marinara sauce. In which case, this can be made 2 or 3 days ahead.
Variations of this no breading chicken parm
Caprese style: Use slices of fresh tomato and a little balsamic glaze instead of the bruschetta.
Hot and spicy: Add some freshly chopped green or red chili into the sauce. This is SO delicious if you’re craving little kick.
For a dairy-free version: Use your favorite brand of dairy-free cheese. You just want to make sure it melts well.
Alternate protein: You can use turkey breasts instead!
FAQs
How can I make this no breading chicken parm spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes into your sauce a spicy kick, or a chopped, fresh chili.
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes. To make this No Breading Chicken Parm in the air fryer, season the chicken as usual and cook at 375F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked. Then, top with mozzarella and air fry for another 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
How do I make this No breading chicken parmesan dairy free?
All you need to do to make it dairy free is to use a dairy free mozzarella alternative.
Looking for more gluten free recipes
No Breading Chicken Parm (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese or dairy free sub
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh bruschetta
- Fresh basil
- Garlic salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper and garlic. You can also add Italian seasoning to the seasoning mixing if you like.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Pan fry until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15 minutes.
- Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add the marinara sauce to the pan and simmer on a low heat for 2-4 minutes or until the cheese has melted a little. Or, you can pop the skillet into the oven and broil it until the cheese has melted.
- Top the dish with fresh bruschetta, finish with basil, salt and pepper.
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