Hello, Food Lovers! Is there any dish more comforting and impressive than a perfectly cooked Chicken Parmesan? The crispy, golden-brown chicken, the rich marinara, the bubbly, melted cheese—it’s a true masterpiece. But for those of us eating gluten-free, the biggest challenge is getting that breading just right. Too often, it’s soggy, falls off, or just doesn’t have that satisfying crunch.
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This recipe is your solution. It delivers an unbelievably crispy, flavorful coating that stays put, creating the perfect foundation for this beloved dish. This is the gluten free chicken parmesan that will make you forget all about the gluten-filled version.
A Little Story About gluten free chicken parmesan
Chicken Parmesan was the first “fancy” meal I ever learned to make. Over the years, my recipe became legendary among my friends. After I went gluten-free, I was heartbroken, thinking I’d lost my signature dish forever. My initial attempts were a disaster—the breading was a gummy, sad mess that slid right off the chicken in the pan.
Refusing to be defeated, I tested countless combinations of flours and breadcrumbs. The secret, I learned, was a specific three-step breading process and a quick pan-fry before baking. The first time I served this perfected version, my friend said, “It’s official. Your gluten free chicken parmesan is even better than the original.” Here are a few more gluten-free recipes for you to try: Gluten Free Blueberry Muffin Recipe, Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread.
Get Ready to Bake!
What to Expect
This recipe for gluten free chicken parmesan is a classic three-step process: breading, pan-frying, and baking. You will spend about 15 minutes setting up your station and breading the chicken. The pan-frying is very quick—just a couple of minutes per side—and then the oven does the rest of the work, baking everything to cheesy, bubbly perfection in about 20 minutes.
Before You Begin
For the crispiest gluten free chicken parmesan, a little prep goes a long way. First, set up an “assembly line” with three shallow dishes for your flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This makes the breading process smooth and clean. Second, using thin-sliced chicken cutlets is key; it ensures the chicken cooks through quickly and evenly in the oven without the breading burning. Finally, remember that the pan-frying step is just for creating a golden, crispy crust—the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan: Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This recipe for gluten free chicken parmesan delivers an unbelievably crispy, flavorful coating that stays put, creating the perfect foundation for this beloved Italian-American dish. It’s cheesy, comforting, and simply irresistible.
Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless thin-sliced chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs
1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
½ cup olive oil, for frying
½ cup gluten-free marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
½ cup additional Parmesan cheese, for topping
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F and grease a large baking dish.
2. Set Up Breading Station: You will need three shallow dishes. In the first, whisk together the gluten-free flour and cornstarch. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, combine the panko, breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Bread the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides completely.
4. Create the Crispy Crust: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the breaded chicken for about 2 minutes per side, just until golden brown and crispy. This step is for texture; the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
5. Assemble for Baking: Transfer the golden chicken cutlets to your prepared baking dish. Top each piece with about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce.
6. Add Toppings: Layer each chicken breast with the mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and browned, and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F. Let it rest for a moment before serving.
Notes
Crispy Breading: Using a combination of regular gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko-style breadcrumbs is the secret to an extra crispy crust.
Thin Cutlets: Using thin-sliced chicken breasts ensures they cook quickly and evenly without the breading burning in the oven.
Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is easily made dairy-free by using dairy-free Parmesan and mozzarella cheese alternatives.
Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until warm and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
This delicious gluten free chicken parmesan uses a smart combination of breadcrumbs and seasonings to create a perfectly crispy crust.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| FOR THE CHICKEN | ||
| Thin-Sliced Chicken Breasts | 6 | Or regular breasts, halved into thin fillets. |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste | |
| Large Eggs | 2 | |
| Gluten-Free Panko Bread Crumbs | 1 cup | 4C is a great brand for an extra crispy texture. |
| Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs | 1 cup | Regular style, for a complete coating. |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | ½ cup | For a dairy-free option, use a brand like Follow Your Heart. |
| Spices (Garlic & Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning) | Varies | For a classic, savory flavor. |
| Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour | ½ cup | |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup | Helps make the coating extra crispy. |
| Olive Oil | ½ cup | For pan-frying. |
| FOR THE TOPPINGS | ||
| Gluten-Free Marinara Sauce | ½ cup | |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup | Sliced or shredded. Violife is a good dairy-free option. |
| Parmesan Cheese | ½ cup | |
| Fresh Basil | ¼ cup | Chopped, for a fresh finish. |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these instructions for an unbelievably crispy and cheesy chicken parmesan dinner.
Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station
First, preheat your oven to 450°F and grease a large baking dish. Next, create your breading assembly line. You’ll need three separate pie pans or shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the gluten-free flour and cornstarch. In the second, whisk the two eggs until uniform. In the third dish, combine the gluten-free panko, regular breadcrumbs, ½ cup of Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Perfectly
Pat your chicken cutlets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Now, take one piece of chicken at a time through the three stations. First, dredge it in the flour mixture, coating both sides and shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is completely and evenly coated on both sides.
Step 3: Create the Crispy Crust
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, it’s ready. Carefully place a few breaded cutlets in the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until the breading is a beautiful golden brown and crispy. This step is only for texture; the chicken will cook through in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble for Baking
As the chicken cutlets finish frying, transfer them to your prepared baking dish. Once all the chicken is in the dish, top each piece with about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Now for the final, delicious layers. Sprinkle each chicken breast with the mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Your gluten free chicken parmesan is ready when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown, and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F on an instant-read thermometer).
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
The an incredible crust on your gluten free chicken parmesan comes from using two types of breadcrumbs. The regular breadcrumbs create a full, even coating, while the panko provides that unbeatable extra-crispy, airy crunch.
Don’t be afraid to customize your seasonings. The Italian blend is classic, but you can easily give it a spicy kick by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture.
The three-step breading process is key, but if you’re out of eggs, heavy cream can work as a rich substitute to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. If you have leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. For the best results, reheat in the oven or an air fryer to bring back that delicious crispy texture.You might also enjoy these other gluten-free recipes: Gluten Free Bagels, Gluten Free Cornbread.
Your Burning Questions Answered!
What is a substitute for flour in chicken parmesan?
In this recipe for gluten free chicken parmesan, a good-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend is the best substitute for regular flour. The addition of cornstarch in our recipe is a secret weapon that helps make the final crust extra crispy and golden.
Is parmesan cheese not gluten-free?
This is a common point of confusion! Pure, authentic Parmesan cheese, especially a block you grate yourself, is naturally gluten-free as it’s made only from milk, salt, and enzymes. However, some pre-grated Parmesan products can contain anti-caking agents like potato starch or, rarely, wheat starch. It’s always safest to check the label on pre-shredded varieties.
What to use instead of breadcrumbs for chicken parm?
If you don’t have gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can get creative! Crushed gluten-free crackers, pork rinds (for a low-carb option), or even a mix of almond flour and Parmesan can create a delicious and crispy coating.
Can you use gluten-free flour for breaded chicken?
Yes, absolutely! As shown in this recipe, using gluten-free flour is the essential first step in the breading process. It gives the egg wash something to cling to, which in turn allows the breadcrumbs to create a thick, even, and super crispy coating that actually stays on the chicken.
Dig In & Enjoy!
You are now ready to create a truly show-stopping meal that will delight everyone at your table, whether they eat gluten-free or not. This recipe proves that you never have to settle for a soggy, disappointing crust ever again.
This is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of a classic dish, made better than ever. Get ready to enjoy the most perfect, crispy, and cheesy gluten free chicken parmesan you’ve ever had. For more gluten-free recipe inspiration, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.