Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Zoodles (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Crust
01 -
1/2 cup whole walnuts, pulsed until broken down
02 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
04 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 -
A generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
→ For the Chicken
07 -
6 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
08 -
2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
09 -
6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
10 -
1/2 cup marinara sauce (or more to taste!)
→ For the Zoodles
11 -
3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
12 -
1 teaspoon olive oil
13 -
1 tablespoon water
14 -
Fresh basil leaves, torn for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 425°F and position a rack in the center. In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until they break down to the size of panko crumbs. In a shallow bowl, mix together the ground walnuts, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 -
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge each chicken breast in the walnut mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick. Place 2-3 pieces in the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Don't worry if the chicken isn't cooked through yet - we'll finish it in the oven!
03 -
Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 4-8 minutes until the chicken is firm to the touch and cooked through. Top each piece with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a slice of fresh mozzarella. Switch to the broiler setting and broil for about a minute until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
04 -
While the chicken is baking (before adding the cheese), heat a teaspoon of oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drizzle a tablespoon of water over the zoodles and once it sizzles, cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes until the zucchini is just tender but still has a slight bite.
05 -
Place a bed of warm zoodles on each plate, top with additional marinara sauce if desired, and place a piece of the walnut-crusted chicken parmesan on top. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
# Notes:
01 -
This healthier twist on classic chicken parmesan uses ground walnuts instead of breadcrumbs for a protein-packed, lower-carb alternative.
02 -
For maximum crispiness, consider serving the marinara sauce on the side rather than putting it on top of the chicken before baking.
03 -
The zucchini noodles (zoodles) make this a complete low-carb meal that's still satisfying and delicious.