Lightened-Up Chicken Parmesan (Printable)

Tender baked chicken with marinara and melted cheese served atop fresh zucchini noodles for a wholesome meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz each)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Coating

04 - 1/2 cup almond flour
05 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 large egg, beaten

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup marinara sauce
10 - 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
11 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

→ Zucchini Noodles

13 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
03 - In a shallow dish, combine almond flour, grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
04 - Dip each chicken breast into beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in almond flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres.
05 - Arrange coated chicken on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
06 - Remove from oven. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each breast, sprinkle with mozzarella and additional Parmesan. Return to oven for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
07 - While chicken bakes, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spiralized zucchini noodles, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until tender but not soggy.
08 - Divide zucchini noodles among serving plates. Top each portion with a chicken breast. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that crispy, cheesy satisfaction without feeling weighed down afterward.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore and more like treating yourself.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs, so it works whether you're being intentional about nutrition or just hungry for something delicious.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying the chicken; any surface moisture will steam the coating instead of crisping it, leaving you with a soft, disappointing texture instead of the crunch you're after.
  • Zucchini noodles release water when they cook, so never cook them ahead of time—prepare them fresh right before serving, otherwise you'll end up with a watery, sad noodle situation.
03 -
  • Let your chicken come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking; it ensures even browning and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside finishes.
  • Save a ladle of marinara sauce before adding the chicken; if your sauce looks too thick once it hits the hot chicken, you can thin it slightly and it will be perfect on the plate.
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