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Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Parmesan
Craving that breaded chicken low carb style with all the crispy, cheesy glory of traditional Italian comfort food? This low carb chicken parmesan delivers golden, crunchy almond flour coating, tangy marinara, and melted mozzarella—all while keeping net carbs under 7g per serving. Skip the guilt, not the flavor, with this restaurant-quality dish ready in just 40 minutes. Whether you’re committed to keto or simply cutting carbs, this keto chicken parm will become your weeknight hero.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each, pounded to ½-inch thickness)
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ½ tsp salt and black pepper
For Assembly:
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce (check labels for 3-4g carbs per ½ cup)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
Substitution Tip: Swap almond flour with crushed pork rinds for extra crunch and zero carbs, or use coconut flour (use ¾ cup instead).
Timing
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min | Serves: 4
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Station
Mix almond flour, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dredge each chicken breast in egg, then press firmly into almond flour mixture until completely coated.
Pro tip: Let breaded chicken rest 5 minutes before frying—this helps the crust adhere better and prevents flaking.
Step 2: Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat (350°F). Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until crust turns golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
Pro tip: Resist flipping too early; wait for a crisp crust to naturally release from the pan.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon marinara over each chicken breast, then top with mozzarella. Transfer skillet to preheated 400°F oven and bake 8-10 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
Pro tip: Broil for the final 2 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden cheese top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and let rest 3 minutes before serving. The resting period locks in juices and prevents cheese from sliding off.
Pro tip: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for authentic Italian low carb dish presentation.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 485 | Protein: 52g | Fat: 26g | Net Carbs: 6g | Fiber: 4g
Variations & Tips
Substitutions:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more forgiving meat
- Try goat cheese or provolone for different flavor profiles
- Make it dairy-free with nutritional yeast coating and cashew mozzarella
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t skip pounding chicken—uneven thickness causes dry spots
- Avoid high heat that burns almond flour before chicken cooks through
- Don’t use regular marinara with added sugar (check labels!)
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions up to 3 months. Reheat in 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes to restore crispiness—skip the microwave to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this keto chicken parm with zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or a crisp Caesar salad. For authentic Italian vibes, serve alongside roasted garlic green beans or sautéed spinach with lemon. Plate over a bed of marinara for restaurant-style presentation.
More Low-Carb Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more satisfying low-carb meals? Check out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make low carb chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bread the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate uncovered on a wire rack—this actually improves crust crispiness. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.
Why is my almond flour crust soggy?
Too much oil or insufficient heat causes sogginess. Use just enough oil to coat the pan, maintain medium heat (not low), and avoid covering the skillet while cooking.
What’s the best sugar-free marinara brand?
Rao’s Homemade and Primal Kitchen offer excellent low-carb options with 3-4g carbs per serving. Always check labels—many “no sugar added” sauces still contain carb-heavy ingredients.
Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes! Spray breaded chicken with oil, air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip, cook 8 more minutes, then add toppings and cook 3 minutes until cheese melts.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Pat chicken completely dry before breading, press coating firmly, let rest 5 minutes, and don’t flip too early during cooking. These steps ensure maximum adhesion.
Conclusion
This low carb chicken parmesan proves you don’t need traditional breadcrumbs to achieve crispy, satisfying Italian comfort food. With its golden almond flour crust and melty cheese topping, it’s destined to become your go-to weeknight dinner. Try it tonight and taste the difference!