Lightened Chicken Parmesan Zucchini (Printable Version)

Tender baked chicken breast topped with marinara and melted cheese, served over sautéed zucchini noodles.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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, low-sugar
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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
03 - In a shallow dish, combine almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
04 - Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg to coat, then dredge thoroughly in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure even adhesion.
05 - Arrange coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
06 - Remove chicken from oven. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each breast. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Return to oven for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and 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 still firm.
08 - Divide zucchini noodles among four serving plates. Top each portion with a prepared chicken breast. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • A low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional Italian-American comfort food.
  • Baking the chicken with almond flour provides a delicious crunch without heavy breading.
  • Fresh zucchini noodles add a vibrant, light base that keeps the meal under 400 calories.
02 -
  • Always pat the chicken dry before coating to ensure the almond flour mixture adheres properly.
  • Don't overcook the zucchini noodles; a quick sauté keeps them from releasing too much water and becoming soggy.
  • Always check labels on marinara sauce and cheese for hidden gluten or added sugars if you are strictly following a diet.
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