Description
Chicken Parmesan with crispy plant-based cheese, tender chicken breasts, and savory natural tomato sauce, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plant-based breadcrumbs
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Tomato Sauce (natural)
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
Optional Variations
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spicy twist)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (for herb-infused breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup plant-based mozzarella (plant-based) and 1/4 cup plant-based parmesan (plant-based) for double cheese option
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (for gluten-free breadcrumb binding if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a flavorful base.
- Coat the Chicken: Set up a breading station with beaten eggs and a mixture of plant-based breadcrumbs combined with fresh herbs. Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes for a lighter version.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Place cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of the savory natural tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle or layer shredded plant-based cheese over the sauce. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as spaghetti tossed with olive oil and garlic, a crisp green salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly to prevent overcooking or dryness.
- Use fresh plant-based breadcrumbs or panko for extra crispiness.
- Do not overload cheese to maintain balanced flavors.
- Maintain medium heat while frying to avoid burning the crust and ensure thorough cooking.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Plant-based cheese, Gluten-free Chicken Parmesan, Italian-American dish, Crispy chicken recipe
