Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to 1/2-inch thickness 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (ensure GF) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (ensure GF)
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for baking 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for baking
• 2 cups marinara sauce (ensure GF) 2 cups marinara sauce (ensure GF)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional) 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well combined, creating a fragrant breading mixture.

2. 2

   Prepare the chicken by dipping each thinly sliced or pounded chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, transfer the egg-coated chicken to the gluten-free breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs evenly on all sides. This step ensures a wonderfully crispy coating.

3. 3

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, indicating it's ready for the oven.

4. 4

   Once seared, arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about half of the marinara sauce over the top of each chicken cutlet, ensuring they are generously covered. This will help keep the chicken moist and infuse it with flavor as it bakes.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened. The gluten-free breadcrumbs should be a deep golden brown and delightfully crisp. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

6. 6

   Serve the gluten-free chicken parmesan hot, spooning any remaining marinara sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves, if desired, for a burst of freshness and color. This dish pairs wonderfully with gluten-free pasta or a simple side salad.

Nutrition (per serving)

Tips & Notes

• Room-temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly — set them out 20–30 minutes before baking.
• If substituting olive oil for butter, use about 3/4 the amount (olive oil is 100% fat, butter is ~80%).
• Check the label — some pre-grated Parmesan blends contain fillers that may include gluten.