Dairy Free Chicken Parm

Before going gluten free and finding out I was lactose intolerant, chicken parmesan was my FAVORITE meal. So naturally, as soon as I started to change my diet, I wanted to find a safe way to remake my favorite meal! This chicken parmesan is an easy gluten free weeknight dinner recipe as well as a dairy free recipe.

This easy and flavorful Dairy Free Chicken Parm is a ready in just 15 minutes or less.

I used an easy tomato base here for the sauce. I LOVE an easy dinner recipe packed with tomatoes, like this one-pan gnocchi with tomato sauce and this Bruschetta Chicken Pizza.

why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy to make: This Dairy Free Chicken Parm is easy to follow and can be made in just 15 minutes or less. I love to save time by using gluten free chicken tenders instead of making them from scratch myself.
• Quick dinner: This dish is a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. I love it because its much faster than making traditional chicken parm.
• Versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted to your liking. So if you wany to add other vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the skillet for an extra boost of nutrients. Or, I like to switch it up by using use different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, instead of mozzarella.
• Satisfying: This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. I think of it just like chicken parm but way easier!

ingredients & substitutions

Gluten-free chicken cutlets:

Chicken cutlets are typically made from boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been pounded thin. I also like to buy the already thin cut ones as well!

I easily make my own cutlets by dredging boneless, skinless chicken breasts in an egg wash, then into a mixture of gluten-free flour, salt, and pepper. Then I air fry them or cook them in a skillet with some olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.

If you don’t want to make your own chicken cutlets I also like to use gluten free chicken tenders or even grilled chicken. If you are not gluten free you can use chicken cutlets made from regular wheat breadcrumbs.

Tomato sauce:

Tomato sauce is the base of the Dairy Free Chicken Parm and provides a rich, flavorful sauce for the chicken cutlets. I like to use my favorite store-bought tomato sauce or I make my own from scratch.

If you’re making your own tomato sauce, simply sauté some onions and garlic, then add canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or diced tomatoes, along with your favorite herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Mozzarella cheese:

For this recipe, I used a dairy-free mozzarella cheese to make it suitable for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities. There are many dairy-free mozzarella cheese substitutes available, and most of them melt well and provide a similar texture to regular mozzarella cheese. I like this dairy free mozzarella the best.

directions

Step 1

Add the cutlets to a cutting board and cut into 1” slices.

Step 2

Add sliced cutlets to frying oven-safe pan.

Step 3

Top with tomato sauce and dairy free mozzarella cheese.

Step 4

Bake on 350 for 25-30 minutes

Step 5

Top the Dairy Free Chicken Parm with fresh basil and vegan parmesan cheese.

expert tips & tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides. When the chicken is piled too high I feel like not every bite has an equal amount of sauce and cheese. So I recommend using a bigger skillet and adding all the chicken in one single layer.
• Season the chicken cutlets well: Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and your favorite Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil. This will add flavor to the chicken and help it to blend well with the tomato sauce.
• Use high-quality tomato sauce: Don’t skimp on the tomato sauce. Use a high-quality tomato sauce that is made with fresh tomatoes and has a good balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also make your own tomato sauce from scratch if you have the time. I prefer a thicker tomato sauce instead of a watery thin sauce.
• For a low-carb version of this Dairy Free Chicken Parm, you can use cauliflower-breaded chicken tenders or grilled chicken. 
• Grilled chicken is also a great low-carb option. I simply grill chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, and then add them to the skillet with the sauce and dairy free cheese.
• For a low-fat version of this Dairy Free Chicken Parm, you can use fat-free mozzarella cheese. Fat-free mozzarella cheese can be found in most grocery stores, and it has a similar taste and texture to regular mozzarella cheese. Simply use fat-free mozzarella cheese instead of regular mozzarella cheese in the recipe.

how to make this vegan

To make this Dairy Free Chicken Parm vegan, simply use vegan chick’n tenders instead of chicken cutlets. Vegan chick’n tenders can be found in most grocery stores, and they are typically made from soy or pea protein. Cook the vegan chick’n tenders according to the package directions, and then add them to the skillet with the sauce and dairy free cheese.

how to serve, store and meal prep

Serving: This Dairy Free Chicken Parm is best served immediately after cooking, while the dairy free cheese is still melted and bubbly. If you’re serving this dish for a party, you can keep it warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Storing: I store leftover Dairy Free Chicken Parm in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, I place the leftovers in an airtight container. When ready to reheat, I simply place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing: The Dairy Free Chicken Parm can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, I place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to reheat, thaw the leftovers overnight in the refrigerator, then heat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Meal Prep:

This Dairy Free Chicken Parm is a great meal prep option. To meal prep, I simply cook the chicken cutlets and sauce according to the recipe, then I divide the mixture into individual portions. Store the portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply heat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

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