Description

A quick and easy Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts, melted plant-based cheese, and a rich natural tomato sauce. This family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights, with crunchy and juicy textures and vibrant flavors from fresh basil and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups bread crumbs (use gluten-free bread crumbs if needed)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Olive oil, for frying

Tomato Sauce (natural)

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups natural tomato sauce (made with fresh tomatoes and herbs)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Topping

1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Trim and pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Set up the breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder and onion powder in a third dish.
Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture.
Fry until golden: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Fry the breaded chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the tomato sauce (natural): In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the natural tomato sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and fresh basil. Simmer gently to develop deep flavors.
Assemble and bake: Arrange fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the tomato sauce generously over each piece and top with plant-based cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even chicken thickness for uniform cooking.
Do not overcrowd the frying pan; cook chicken in batches for crispiness.
Day-old bread crumbs work best for a crunchier crust.
Simmer the tomato sauce low and slow to enhance herb flavors.
Allow the Chicken Parmesan to rest a few minutes after baking to retain juiciness before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, plant-based cheese, breaded chicken, natural tomato sauce, gluten free, easy dinner, family-friendly