Description
This easy Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy plant-based cheese with a rich tomato sauce (natural), creating a warm and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It comes together quickly with simple pantry staples and is kid-friendly, versatile, and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version)
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan (plant-based), grated
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan adaptation)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Season with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into a mixture of beaten eggs and a splash of apple cider vinegar to help the breadcrumbs adhere better.
- Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and plant-based cheese: Combine the breadcrumbs with shredded plant-based cheese. Press each chicken breast firmly into this mixture to coat generously on both sides.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the breaded chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown and crispy crust without overcooking.
- Make the tomato sauce (natural): In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and a touch of natural sweetener. Simmer gently to thicken and intensify the flavors.
- Combine and bake: Spoon the tomato sauce generously over the fried chicken breasts. Sprinkle with extra plant-based Parmesan and fresh basil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes to meld flavors and melt the cheese beautifully.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness for juicy, evenly cooked meat.
- Let the fried chicken rest a few minutes before adding sauce for the best texture.
- Add fresh basil at the end to brighten and aroma the dish.
- Simmer tomato sauce slowly to develop deeper, rich flavors.
- Mixing plant-based cheese with breadcrumbs creates a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, plant-based cheese, Italian, quick dinner, gluten-free, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato sauce (natural)
