Description
This easy Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with a rich, natural tomato sauce and melted plant-based cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it balances savory, tangy, and creamy flavors for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs (seasoned or plain, gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped parsley, oregano, or thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Tomato Sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 28 oz fresh tomatoes, chopped or canned crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or 1 tbsp fresh basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 ½ cups plant-based cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan style), sliced or shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Pound the chicken breasts gently to an even thickness of about half an inch to ensure even cooking. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with plant-based milk, and one with bread crumbs mixed with Italian herbs. Dip each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then in the plant-based milk, and finally press into the bread crumbs until fully coated on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until the coating is golden brown and chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce (natural). In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic and onion until translucent and fragrant. Add fresh or canned crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble and Bake. Place cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon tomato sauce generously over each piece. Top with plant-based cheese slices or shreds. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent tenderness and cooking.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for a brighter, more vibrant flavor in the sauce.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain crispy breading; fry in batches if needed.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to deepen flavors and balance acidity.
- Let the baked Chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, plant-based cheese, gluten-free, tomato sauce natural, crispy chicken, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
