Name: Gluten Free Chicken Parmigiana
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds thin-sliced chicken; 1 cup gluten free bread crumbs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup gluten free all purpose baking flour; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided); 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 1/2 cups gluten free marinara sauce (homemade or store bought); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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The best gluten free Chicken Parmigiana! Crispy, tender, breaded chicken, delicious sauce, and bubbling cheese doesn’t get any better than this.

Chicken Parmigiana has always been a beloved favorite in our family. The warm aroma of this dish wafting through the kitchen brings back a flood of fond memories.

Typically, chicken Parmigiana is not gluten free due to the breadcrumbs and flour. But this Italian-American classic can be enjoyed at home using gluten free ingredients! Yay.

As one of my first published recipes, this has remained a go-to favorite when it comes to chicken recipes and a classic favorite of my Italian-inspired recipes that’s always on repeat in our home.

Whether you refer to it as chicken parm, chicken parmesan, or chicken Parmigiana, it’s all part of the same delicious legacy. Regardless of the name, there’s one key ingredient that’s a secret to turning this dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece: the sauce.

You have the choice to make your gluten free chicken Parmigiana recipe with homemade Italian Red Sauce, a tradition passed down through generations, or opt for the convenience of your favorite gluten free sauce from a jar. Prego, for example, proudly flaunts its gluten free label right on the jar, making the choice even more effortless.

If you love the flavors of Chicken Parmesan, you’ll definitely want to try my quick and easy Gluten Free and Low Carb Meatball Parmesan recipe, which delivers that same savory satisfaction with just a bit more simplicity.

So, are you ready to create your very own gluten free chicken Parmigiana? With a treasure trove of cooking tips waiting for you here, rest assured that your chicken parm will emerge as a culinary triumph, destined to create lasting memories at your dinner table.

Follow this step by step guide to making gluten free chicken Parmigiana. Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients

• Thin-sliced chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are whole and skinless, you can either horizontally halve them or, for convenience, obtain pre-sliced thin chicken breasts from your local butcher.

The additional ingredients are:

• Gluten free all purpose flour: Dredge the chicken in flour as an initial coating for the chicken. It helps the egg wash stick to the chicken.
• Egg wash: A beaten egg, milk, and salt to enhance the flavor, serves as the binding agent to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
• Gluten free bread crumbs: Breadcrumbs create a flavorful coating for the chicken cutlets. I have used Ian’s gluten free panko breadcrumbs for crispy gluten free chicken cutlets, Schar’s plain, or Aleia’s Italian breadcrumbs to add extra flavor.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Add grated parmesan to the flour for a savory kick and sprinkle it atop the chicken, too.
• Oil for frying. I use extra-virgin olive oil. Go with whichever oil you prefer.
• Toppings: Gluten free marinara or a similar tomato-based sauce is essential for tomatoey flavor and moisture plus mozzarella cheese. It melts and forms a gooey, cheesy layer over the sauce, creating the classic “parmigiana” effect.
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

To start, I suggest using a meat tenderizer to pound each chicken breast. This helps because this cut can be slightly tough. A few taps with the mallet work to tenderize the chicken, ensuring that it comes out tender.

Okay. Now we need to bread the chicken.

What is the order of breading chicken?

First, rinse and pat the chicken dry. Patting the chicken dry is important because your flour cannot stick to damp chicken.

Arrange three wide shallow bowls on the counter. Add flour to the first bowl. Then whisk together egg, salt, and milk in the second bowl. Combine your gluten free bread crumbs and parmesan in the third wide, shallow bowl.

Now follow threse steps to bread your chicken. First, dredge the chicken in the flour and shake off excess. (Shaking off the excess flour is key to getting your breading to stick.)

Next, run the chicken through the egg wash to coat it lightly and hold the chicken over the liquid to let any excess fall back into the bowl. Then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Fry your chicken

Finally, heat oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat until shimmery and fragrant but not smoking. Add the breaded chicken and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Then drain chicken on a plate on top of paper towels.

Assemble chicken Parmigiana on a baking sheet

Now you’re ready to assemble your chicken Parmigiana. Lightly oil a shallow baking sheet and spoon some of your marinara sauce into the pan. Arrange the chicken cutlets over the sauce. Then spoon more sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with parmesan and top with mozzarella.

Make ahead tip: This can be assembled early in the day, refrigerated, and baked when needed.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350℉. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until it’s heated through and the mozzarella cheese has melted.

Serving suggestions

Garnish with parsley and serve with gluten free pasta and Crusty Gluten Free Quick Garlic Bread to sop up the sauce. Or serve as a topping for sandwiches on gluten free Against the Grain rolls.

Choose one (or even two!) vegetable or salad sides like crispy Gluten-Free Baked Zucchini Chips or a simple, zesty Lemony Marinated Zucchini Salad.

To round off your meal, indulge in a gluten-free dessert from my collection. For a true Italian treat, I’ll show you how to brew espresso in a moka pot, make easy Gluten-Free Zeppole (Fritta) Fried Dough or a cool and refreshing Strawberry Granita.

Alternatively, for a decadent finish, check out this Triple Chocolate Gingerbread Cake Mix from my friend’s blog. Be sure to use gluten-free ingredients like King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Mix, as her recipe doesn’t specify gluten-free options.

Pro tips and recipe note

Please Note: Links are affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission if you buy the item at no extra cost to you.

Fry your chicken in batches so as not to crowd the pan. If there is not enough room in the pan, the chicken will steam. It won’t get nicely browned, flavorful, and crispy.
I used shredded organic mozzarella in this recipe. You can use sliced mozzarella if you prefer.
I use this baking sheet because it has 1-inch sides to accommodate the sauce on the bottom of the pan.
If you’re going to make my homemade quick easy marinara sauce, do that an hour before starting your chicken Parmigiana. Then simmer it on the back burner of your stove.
You can store leftover gluten free chicken Parmigiana in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain its quality, it’s best to cover it in an airtight container. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it for about 2-3 months. But be sure it’s properly sealed in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When reheating, make sure to heat it thoroughly until it’s piping hot to ensure food safety.

Can chicken Parmigiana be made low carb?

Excellent question. Since I’m following a low carb diet, I simply skip the breading and frying steps.

I pound a few slices of chicken to tenderize them and cook them in a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. These few slices can be topped with sauce and cheese and baked along with the rest of the chicken.

This adaptation ensures that whether you’re watching your carb intake to manage your insulin response or aiming to shed those lingering post-holiday pounds, you can savor the delicious flavors of chicken Parmigiana along with everyone else.

Every time I make gluten free Chicken Parmigiana, the chorus of delighted voices at my table echoes with phrases like, “Thanks, Mom, this is sooo good,” and “When can we have this again?” I’m confident that your family will experience the same joy with each bite.

Should you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to connect with me in the comments or drop me an email; I’m here to assist you as soon as possible.

So, why wait? Make this delicious dish tonight. You’re in for a treat! Buon appetito!

Wishing you a happy and healthy week ahead!

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