Whipping up a delicious, satisfying meal doesn’t have to be a time-consuming affair. In fact, did you know that chicken is one of the leanest and most protein-rich meats available? With just a mere 20 minutes, you can craft a flavorful Low Carb Chicken Parmesan that may even achieve cult status in your household. Picture perfectly baked chicken topped with gooey, melting cheese, a zesty marinara sauce, and fresh basil sprigs dancing atop it – simply irresistible!
Easy 20 Minute Low Carb Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick and delicious Low Carb Chicken Parmesan recipe with baked chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
- 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups homemade marinara or store bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 to 8 leaves of fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Season chicken on both sides with the Italian herb blend, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and salted butter, then cook the chicken in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and 2 to 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with more parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Why This Easy 20 Minute Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To
If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly dish that conquers time constraints without sacrificing flavor, look no further. This Easy 20 Minute Low Carb Chicken Parmesan recipe combines wholesome ingredients with minimal prep time. You’ll find that it’s a breeze to make, and equally delightful to devour. Ready in less time than it takes to plan dinner out, this dish will surely become a weeknight favorite, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of loved ones.
The Essentials
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets – tender and easy to cook.
- 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend – a fragrant mix to elevate the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – bringing that extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – to enhance the dish’s natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – a dash of heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéeing, adding healthy fats.
- 1 tablespoon salted butter – richness that complements the chicken.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – the star for that classic cheesy crust.
- 1 1/2 cups homemade marinara or store bought – vital for that robust Italian flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – perfect melting quality.
- 6 to 8 leaves of fresh basil, thinly sliced – to brighten up the dish.
Step-by-Step Method
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. This ensures a crisp finish on your cheese.
- Season chicken on both sides with the Italian herb blend, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. A good seasoning base makes all the difference!
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and salted butter. Once shimmering, cook the chicken in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; it lets the chicken steam instead of sear.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and top with 2 to 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Generously add shredded mozzarella cheese. The combination of cheeses creates a heavenly gooey layer!
- Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with more parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This final touch adds elegance and freshness.
- Serve. Enjoy the accolades from your family; you deserve it!
Healthy Reasons to Love This
Each serving of this Easy 20 Minute Low Carb Chicken Parmesan packs a nutritious punch: approximately 4 ounces may contain around 380 calories, with 40 grams of protein, only 15 grams of carbs, and about 20 grams of fat. This dish not only fills you up but also aligns beautifully with low-carb lifestyles. Lean protein acts as a muscle builder while maintaining a lower calorie count—perfect for those aiming to shed a few pounds or simply eat healthier!
Perfect Pairings
Serve this dish with a simple side salad for a delightful contrast in textures. A fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette can brighten the meal. You might also enjoy it with roasted vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus—that add seasonal flair and color to your plate. And for a cozy winter night, pair it with creamy cauliflower mash for a comforting twist.
How to Store It Right
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For prolonged freshness, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in the microwave or place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. A little drizzle of olive oil while reheating keeps it juicy!
Expert Tips
- For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for optimal safety and juiciness.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste, such as adding provolone or gouda.
- For a keto-friendly crunch, consider almond flour as a coating before cooking.
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice for a zing that brings everything together beautifully.
Flavor Experiments
- Gourmet Twist: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes to your marinara sauce for a rich, concentrated flavor boost.
- Seasonal Flavor: Incorporate spinach and artichokes into the dish for a delightful springtime twist.
- Playful Variation: Use BBQ sauce in place of marinara for a fun BBQ Chicken Parmesan!
Learn from My Mistakes
- Cooking at too high a temperature can lead to burnt outsides and raw insides. Always keep it medium heat for even cooking.
- Skipping the herb blend will leave you with a bland dish. Spice it up!
- Not letting your chicken rest after cooking can make it dry. A few minutes of resting is well worth it.
- Forgetting to check if the meat is cooked properly can lead to a safety issue. Invest in a good thermometer!
- Overloading the baking tray can lead to inconsistent cooking. Space them out for the best results.
Creative Second-Day Ideas
- Chicken Parmesan Wrap: Slice leftovers and roll them into a tortilla with some fresh greens and extra marinara for a quick lunch.
- Casserole Delight: Chop it up and layer with your favorite pasta and sauce for an easy baked casserole.
- Pizza Topper: Cut into cubes and use as a topping on pizza with your favorite veggies!
Curious Cooks Ask
Can I make this Chicken Parmesan ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble right before baking.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce? You can use pesto, alfredo, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for different flavor profiles.
What side dishes pair best with Chicken Parmesan? A fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or even cauliflower rice works wonderfully!
Is Chicken Parmesan low-carb? Yes, especially when you skip traditional breadcrumbs and focus on flavorful toppings – this recipe is perfect for low-carb diets!
