5-Star Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan: Crispy and Cheesy Perfection

Everyone loves a delicious chicken Parmesan dish. The crispy crust, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese make this dish so special. But fried chicken can seem like a no-go for those with gluten intolerance. Don’t worry! With a few thoughtful instructions, you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of Gluten Free chicken Parmesan. Our gluten free chicken parmesan recipe is so good that even your gluten-eating friends won’t tell the difference.

Why Make It Gluten-Free?

For anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating Italian-inspired comfort food can be tricky. Many dishes, including chicken parmesan, rely heavily on wheat-based breadcrumbs. Gluten is commonly found in many packaged foods, but this doesn’t mean you must miss out on flavor-packed favorites like chicken parmesan. This recipe embraces the art of gluten-free cooking with a few smart ingredient choices, ensuring the final dish is crispy, cheesy, and indulgent without causing any discomfort.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to start your gluten free chicken parmesan. I’ve included some substitution ideas to make this recipe dairy-free as well. Flexibility is the key here, so feel free to adapt based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Ingredients for the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (panko-style breadcrumbs give the best crunch)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (ensure it’s labeled gluten-free)
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (use a dairy-free alternative if needed)

Ingredients (for the Sauce) :

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, but check labels for gluten!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• One teaspoon dried oregano
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need to Make the Best Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan :

• Meat mallet (or rolling pin) for flattening the chicken
• Three shallow bowls for breading
• A large ovenproof skillet or baking dish
• Tongs or spatula for flipping the chicken

Tips for Making Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

1 : Prep Your Chicken

Start by flattening the chicken breasts. Place them in a plastic bag and use a meat mallet to pound them until they are about ½ inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. Once the chicken is ready, season both sides with salt and pepper.

2 : Set Up a Breading Station

We’ll need a simple bowl to make the bread using three shallow bowls. In the first, add the gluten-free flour, then season with salt, garlic powder, pepper and a little thyme. Use the second bowl to whisk the eggs until smooth. The third bowl will be used to mix the gluten-free bread crumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Now you’re all set with the easy assembly line!

3 : Bread the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a plastic wrap with the gluten-free flour, tossing to coat thoroughly and shaking off any excess. Then dip in the beaten egg, making sure to coat well. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the breadcrumbs stick together. Repeat with all four chicken breasts.

4 : Pan-Fry to Perfection

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully lay the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the crust is golden and crispy. If your pan is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. You’re not cooking the chicken fully at this stage; you’re just getting that delicious crispy coating.

5 : Prepare the Sauce

During the chicken is frying , you can start preparing the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, then the dried basil and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you would like to add more vegetables, add sautéed onions or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

6 : Assemble and Bake

Now that the chicken is golden brown and crispy, transfer the chicken breasts to an ovenproof baking dish. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken – if desired. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and grate more Parmesan if it tastes too cheesy.

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Why Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs Matter

Choosing the right gluten-free breadcrumbs can make or break this dish. I highly recommend using a panko-style gluten-free breadcrumb, which creates a light and crispy crust. Some gluten-free breadcrumbs can be dense or overly crumbly, which won’t give you that signature crunch that makes chicken parmesan so satisfying. Look for a brand that offers a texture similar to traditional panko. If you’re up for some DIY, you can make your gluten-free breadcrumbs by toasting gluten-free bread and pulsing it in a food processor until you get a fine crumb.

Sides to Serve with Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

Now that your crispy, cheesy, gluten-free chicken parmesan is ready, what should you serve alongside it? Here are a few gluten-free side ideas that will elevate your meal:

• Gluten-Free Pasta: You can’t go wrong with a classic pairing of chicken parmesan and gluten-free pasta. This combination is always a winner, whether spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Toss the pasta in extra marinara sauce or olive oil with fresh herbs for a simple but flavorful side.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a light veggie side dish, grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
• Caesar Salad (Gluten-Free Croutons): A fresh Caesar salad with gluten-free croutons adds a crisp and tangy element to balance the richness of the chicken. Make sure to use a gluten-free Caesar dressing as well!
• Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): For a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta, try serving your chicken parmesan over zoodles. They soak up the sauce and give the classic dish a fresh twist.

Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan : A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Whether it’s a family meal, a special occasion, or just to satisfy your cravings, this gluten free chicken parmesan recipe is sure to impress. The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese is irresistible, and being gluten-free makes it accessible to everyone. This dish is sure to become a regular in your meal!

If you loved this recipe, check out more : Gluten-Free Meatballs and Gluten-Free Marinara Sauce .

Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan : Crispy and Cheesy

Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

697

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)

• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (preferably panko-style for extra crunch)

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (ensure it’s gluten-free)

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (can use dairy-free if needed)

• For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, check for gluten-free labels)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Flatten the chicken: Using a meat mallet, pound each chicken breast to about ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
• Prepare breading station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with gluten-free flour seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; one with whisked eggs; and one with gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese.
• Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
• Pan-fry the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, but not fully cooked through.
• Simmer the sauce: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, dried basil, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Assemble and bake: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to an ovenproof baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.

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