Crispy Keto Chicken Parmesan (Low-Carb, Juicy & So Easy)
This Keto Chicken Parmesan delivers crispy golden chicken, melty cheese, and rich marinara—everything you love about classic Chicken Parm but without the carbs. It’s healthy, filling, and unbelievably delicious.
A perfectly crispy, low-carb chicken parmesan made with seasoned parmesan crust, juicy chicken breasts, sugar-free marinara, and melted mozzarella. This keto-friendly version tastes just like the classic—rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.
This Keto Chicken Parmesan has become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and covered in bubbling cheese—everything you want in comfort food but made low-carb and gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Uses parmesan and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Super Crispy: Turns into the perfect parmesan crusted chicken no bread crumbs result.
- Oven or Air Fryer Friendly: Choose your preferred method.
- Restaurant Quality: Tastes like true homemade Chicken Parmesan.
- Fast & Easy: A simple chicken parmesan recipe easy baked enough for busy nights.
Crispy Keto Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts butterflied & pounded thin
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Topping
- ¾ cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 –3 tablespoons extra grated parmesan
- For Garnish
- Fresh basil
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
- Butterfly chicken breasts and pound them to even thickness.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- This step ensures juicy, evenly cooked keto chicken parm.
- Make the Low-Carb Coating
- In a bowl, whisk eggs.
- In another bowl, mix parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- This mixture replaces breadcrumbs, making a gluten free chicken parmesan crust that’s crispy and flavorful.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken piece in egg wash.
- Press firmly into the parmesan-almond mixture.
- Shake off excess coating.
- Pan-Fry for Maximum Crispiness
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a baking tray.
- (For a healthier version, bake chicken at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.)
- Add Sauce & Cheese
- Spoon marinara over each chicken piece.
- Add mozzarella and extra parmesan.
- This layer makes it the best chicken parmesan recipe but still keto-friendly.
- Bake
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
- You can broil for 1–2 minutes to get that perfect crispy chicken parmesan top.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a simple salad.
Nabeela’s Pro Tips
1. Pound the chicken evenly for perfect cooking
Thin, even chicken cutlets cook faster and stay juicy. Uneven thickness leads to dry edges and undercooked centers, so don’t skip this step.
2. Use freshly grated parmesan for the crispiest crust
Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper browning. Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully, creating a crunchy, golden crust for true parmesan crusted chicken no bread crumbs perfection.
3. Pan-fry before baking for restaurant-style results
A quick sear in olive oil creates a crispy exterior that baking alone can’t achieve. Even if you finish in the oven, always pan-fry first for the best texture.
4. Don’t drown the chicken in sauce
Too much marinara will soften the crust. Add just enough to coat the top so the exterior stays crisp while still giving you big Italian flavor.
5. Use sugar-free marinara for keto
Classic marinara can contain added sugars. Choose a keto-friendly, low-carb sauce to keep this recipe fully compliant without sacrificing flavor.
6. Air fryer hack for extra crispiness
Air fry breaded chicken at 390°F for 9–10 minutes, flip halfway, then add sauce and cheese and cook 2–3 more minutes. This creates incredibly crispy, fast keto chicken parm.
7. Let it rest before cutting
Allowing the chicken to rest for 2–3 minutes after baking helps the crust stay intact and prevents the cheese from sliding off.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace parmesan and mozzarella with high-quality dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor won’t be identical, but you’ll still get a delicious, crispy breading using almond flour and dairy-free parmesan. Use dairy-free marinara to keep the recipe fully compliant.
2. What can I serve this Keto Chicken Parmesan with?
Great low-carb sides include zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or spaghetti squash. For a classic feel, pair with a simple Caesar salad or garlic-buttered green beans.
3. Why is my chicken not crispy?
Common reasons include: chicken too thick, not enough oil while pan-frying, using pre-shredded parmesan, or adding too much sauce. Follow the sear-then-bake method and keep the topping light for truly crispy results.
4. Can I freeze this Keto Chicken Parmesan?
Yes! Prepare and bread the chicken, then freeze before baking. When ready, bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 25–28 minutes, then add marinara and cheese. Freezing helps meal-prep this healthy chicken parmesan recipe ahead of time.
