Keto & Low-Carb
Keto Chicken Parmesan
An almond flour and parmesan coating replaces traditional breadcrumbs in this keto chicken parmesan, baking up genuinely crispy without any grain. Marinara and melted mozzarella on top keep it every bit as comforting as the original.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Almond flour crust bakes up crispy, no breadcrumbs
- Genuinely low-carb without sacrificing the classic flavor
- Baked, not fried
- Naturally gluten-free
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, mix the almond flour, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then press firmly into the almond flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the coated chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden (the coating browns faster than traditional breadcrumbs, so watch closely).
- Spoon marinara over each piece and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve, ideally over zucchini noodles or a side salad.
How to tell it's done
After searing and baking, the chicken should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. The almond flour crust should be golden brown, not pale or burnt, and the mozzarella should be melted with bubbling edges. Almond flour crusts darken faster than breadcrumbs, so if the edges brown before the chicken is done, tent them loosely with foil.
Tips for success
- Almond flour browns faster than breadcrumbs, so keep the sear over medium-high (not high) heat to avoid burning the crust before the chicken cooks through.
- Check labels on marinara sauce — many brands add sugar, so look for a low-sugar or no-sugar-added version to keep this genuinely keto.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness so the coating and chicken finish cooking around the same time.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or alongside a green salad to keep the whole meal low-carb.
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Almond flour: use blanched, finely ground almond flour, not coarser almond meal, for a smoother crust that sticks better.
- Pork rind crust: crushed pork rinds mixed half-and-half with parmesan make a crunchier, nut-free coating.
- Marinara: look for jars with 4g of carbs or fewer per 1/2 cup and no added sugar.
- Searing fat: avocado oil handles higher heat than olive oil and helps prevent the almond flour from scorching.
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12-15 minutes or in an air fryer at 360°F for 5-6 minutes to keep the crust from getting soggy. The microwave softens the coating but works in a pinch.
Make ahead & freezing
Pound and coat the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate it uncovered. Fully cooked portions freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat them from frozen at 375°F, covered with foil for the first 15 minutes, until they're 165°F in the center.
What to serve with it
Zucchini noodles tossed with a little marinara, roasted broccoli with garlic, a Caesar salad without croutons, or sautéed green beans keep the whole meal keto.
Frequently asked questions
Is almond flour a good substitute for breadcrumbs?
Yes, it creates a genuinely crispy, nutty-flavored crust, though it browns faster than breadcrumbs, so watch the heat closely.
What marinara sauce is keto-friendly?
Look for a jarred marinara with no added sugar; many popular brands add a surprising amount, which can bump up the carb count.
Can I fry this instead of baking?
Yes, though baking after a quick sear reduces the risk of the almond flour coating burning before the chicken cooks through.
What should I serve with keto chicken parmesan?
Zucchini noodles, a side salad, or roasted low-carb vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower all pair well.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 398 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
Nutrition values are estimates calculated from the ingredient list and will vary with the exact brands and portion sizes you use.
More in: Keto & Low-Carb Chicken Recipes
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