Chicken Parmesan is one of Mr. Hungry’s favorite meals, and since Hungry Jr. and I both love it too, I make it pretty often. Making our favorite chicken parmesan recipe over to be low carb and gluten free was relatively easy, and the difference in taste and texture is almost unnoticeable!
To make this low carb chicken parmesan casserole, I replaced the traditional Italian style bread crumbs with a mixture of almond flour, grated parmesan cheese and some herbs and spices – this is now my go-to breading for chicken, pork chops, and even low carb fried eggplant when I’m not in the mood for meat.
Sometimes the guys eat pasta and I just make the spaghetti squash on the side for myself, but in this recipe I decided to do it casserole style. Because I wanted to be able to spoon out portions easily, I cut the chicken into smaller chunks before breading and frying it.
Smaller chunks of chicken also means more delicious fried coating to chicken ratio, which is always a bonus in my opinion!
Crispy chicken chunks, bright tangy tomato sauce, oozy mozzarella cheese, all nestled into sweet ribbons of spaghetti squash – can you think of anything more delicious and comforting right now???
ME EITHER.
This low carb chicken parmesan recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and picky husbands – and it’s perfect for entertaining your gluten free friends as well!
Since spaghetti squash can get pricey depending the season, you can also opt to make this low carb chicken parmesan with just the cheese and sauce and then serve it over spiralized zucchini noodles, or even regular pasta for family members who aren’t low carb or gluten free.
As mentioned above, this easily translates to eggplant parmigiana for those of you looking for a vegetarian option (or if you just love eggplant like I do!)
Chicken Parmesan Casserole – Low Carb & Gluten Free
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This low carb chicken parmesan casserole is easy and delicious – guaranteed to be a hit with picky kids and husbands too! Gluten free, keto, and Atkins friendly!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 3 Tbsp olive oil for frying
For the casserole
- 4 cups cooked spaghetti squash, well drained
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1.5 cups easy keto marinara sauce (or low sugar jarred sauce)
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
For the chicken:
- Cut the chicken into 2 inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg.
- Combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder and dried parsley in another medium bowl.
- Dip the pieces of chicken, one or two at a time into the egg solution and then the breading mixture – then remove to a clean plate.
- Heat the oil in a nonstick saute pan until hot. Cook the breaded chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley in a medium bowl and toss well to coat. Spread the squash out in a 8 x 12 (or equivalent) oven safe dish.
- Spread the cooked chicken pieces over the top of the squash.
- Spoon the marina sauce over the chicken and squash.
- Cut or tear the mozzarella into pieces and place them over the chicken.
- Bake in a 375 degree (F) oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot.
Notes
Approx nutrition info per serving: 302 calories, 8g fat, 6g net carbs, 28g protein
- Category: Low Carb Chicken Recipe
- Cuisine: Italian
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Lisa Diaz says
I’ve been wanting to make something similar to this for my readers on my website but can’t seem to find the Almond flour. When I do find a store that carries it I discover it is out of stock.
I’m thinking I should take the buy online route. Your dish looks absolutely yummy! I love when comfort food gets slimmed down.
Excellent recipe.
Hawkce541 says
Amazon has it and if you have Amazon prime you can have in 2 days free shipping.
Amy says
Delicious. Made this for company and received wonderful comments! I did have to double the recipe for the almond breading because I cut my chicken in quarter size pieces. We fought for the leftovers the next day. ;)
Muna Kenny says
I’m not so creative on low carb dishes, I’m pinning your recipe to try later. Looks delicious :)
Allison says
Another winner! The breading is delicious and my non-keto hubby had two helpings…which sort of interferes with my leftovers but I was just glad he loved it as much as I did. So good.
Jessica says
Sigh – No spaghetti squash available in my country – I so wish I could try all the lovely recipes I see with it!
Michelle says
I wish I could mail you one! Could you get seeds and try to grow your own?
Kathy says
How do you cook the spaghetti squash? I have never tried it before.
Tanya says
You can cut the sp.squash in half and scoop out the seeds, put it on lightly greased baking sheet open face down (or poke holes in a whole one and bake in a dish) Bake on 375F for approx 1 hour. Its ready when a fork or knife poke through easily. If you cooked it whole let cool a bit before cutting open and scooping the seeds out.
I absolutely LOVE Spaghetti squash… All by itself with butter, salt & pepper. Or to replace pasta. It’s delish!!
Lynne says
Depending on the size, steam on microwave with a 1/4 to 1/2 water in a 9×13 glass dish
Small 7 minutes–medium 9–large 12
I like mine with a but of crunch so I time mine for less than this
Lynne says
Depending on the size, steam on microwave with a 1/4 to 1/2 water in a 9×13 glass dish
Small 7 minutes–medium 9–large 12
I like mine with a but of crunch so I time mine for less than this
Helene says
Isn’t it funny how kids love spaghetti squash but adults hear SQUASH and refuse to even try it?!?
We even love it plain with just butter and onion & garlic powder or parmesan cheese.
Ann S. says
Looks good. How many/much spaghetti squash did you use for this recipe? I have 1 large squash at home, but don’t know how many cups that would give me as I’ve never measured the amount before.
movita beaucoup says
I adore spaghetti squash.
(That is all.)
Erica Kollman says
This looks so good! If you have an Aldi in your area, they sell spaghetti squash for $1.99 each, not by the pound.
Lynne says
Or eggplant