Okay, so I decided to try making gluten-free chicken parmesan the other day. It sounded like a challenge, but I was craving that cheesy, saucy goodness. Here’s how it went down.
Getting Started
First things first, I gathered all my ingredients. I got some chicken breasts, gluten-free breadcrumbs, eggs, almond flour, Italian herbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. I made sure I had everything before I started because nothing’s worse than realizing you’re missing something mid-recipe.
Prepping the Chicken
I started by pounding the chicken breasts until they were about half an inch thick. This helped them cook evenly. Then, I set up my breading station. I whisked a couple of eggs in one bowl, mixed almond flour and some Italian herbs in another, and put the gluten-free breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Next, I dipped each chicken breast in the egg, then in the almond flour mixture, back in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. I pressed the breadcrumbs on firmly to make sure they stuck well. It was a bit messy, but kind of fun.
Cooking the Chicken
I heated some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it was hot, I added the breaded chicken breasts. I cooked them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they were golden brown and cooked through. I made sure to use a meat thermometer to check that they reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Safety first, right?
Adding the Sauce and Cheese
After the chicken was cooked, I transferred it to a baking dish. I poured a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece, and then topped them with slices of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. I’m a cheese lover, so I might have gone a little overboard here, but who’s counting?
Baking Time
I preheated my oven to 375°F. Once it was ready, I put the baking dish in and baked it for about 20 minutes. The cheese got all melty and bubbly, and the sauce was heated through. The smell was amazing—it filled my whole kitchen!
Serving It Up
When it was done, I took the chicken parmesan out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. I served it with a side of gluten-free pasta and a simple salad. It was a hit! The chicken was crispy, the sauce was flavorful, and the cheese was perfectly gooey.
Honestly, it turned out better than I expected. It was a bit of work, but totally worth it. If you’re looking for a gluten-free comfort food, give this a try. You might surprise yourself!