This easy healthy healthier chicken parmesan is gluten free, high protein, low carb, keto, keto friendly, with cottage cheese, lighter, clean eating. On a white plate are two servings of chicken parmesan, freshly baked, one chicken breast per serving. Each is topped with marinara that's soaked into the tender, crisp chicken. Topped with melted, bubbly, browned cheese.

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This Healthier Chicken Parmesan is gluten free, high protein, and low carb. You only need four ingredients, some simple spices, and twenty minutes to enjoy this lighter version of an Italian classic. Pair this tender, juicy, cheesy chicken with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or with pasta for a balanced and satisfying dinner any night of the week!

I’m all about making healthy eating approachable, easy, and delicious. A lot of people think that when making changes for a healthier lifestyle, they have to give up their favorite things and I don’t think that’s true at all. Everyone is different and some people have dietary changes they need to stick to while others just want to be more aware, consume more healthier options, and have balance. That balance is what I’ve found through the years and now I eat intuitively in a way that works for ME while also wanting to prioritize foods that help me feel my best. I have so much fun taking the foods I love, especially from childhood, and making another version that’s healthier, lighter, and based on more whole foods! Some of my favorite healthier versions of some classics are my Healthier Broccoli Cheddar Casserole, Healthier Air Fryer Taquitos, and Healthier Tuna Noodle Casserole. And I know I’m not the only one who does this so when I see others sharing new ways to enjoy some classic recipes, I make sure to try them asap.

I found this recipe online and knew I had to try it it – a healthier, lighter, Italian classic? Yes, please! I put my own spin on it to adjust to my liking – I love a chicken parm that has a lot of cheese compared to the sauce. And by using cottage cheese in addition to the parmesan, we’re already getting a TON of protein in this meal. There’s no breading on the chicken so it’s low carb and I think not having it helps the chicken bake even better. The result is juicy, tender chicken with warm red sauce and melted cheese that tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant! Because this is high in protein and healthy fats, you’ll feel full and satisfied much longer without feeling heavy or sluggish.

If you’ve ever made traditional chicken parmesan from scratch before, you know that it takes a lot of ingredients, steps, and time. But this is such an amazing option when you want the comfort of this meal without spending an hour or more making it in the kitchen! Instead, you’ll spend thirty minutes or less and majority of that time is just letting it bake in the oven. WAY less effort for just as delicious of a reward 🙌

This makes two servings so it’s perfect for any quick, weeknight meal or when you want to cook once and have leftovers the next day. This one has been on repeat for me lately and I have a feeling it will be for you too!

Why You’ll Love This

Less than thirty minutes – From start to finish, this is ready in twenty minutes which makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Lighter version of a classic – Instead of a version that’s delicious and also leaves you feeling a lot more heavy and foggy afterwards, this is a lighter alternative that’s just as good AND you’ll feel better after.
High protein – Between the chicken breast, cottage cheese, and parmesan, each serving can have about 40g of protein!
Dietary friendly – This is gluten free, high protein, low carb, and keto friendly.

What You’ll Need

Chicken breasts – One chicken breast will be one serving so you’ll want them decently sized.
Marinara sauce – I’ll use a plain marinara or sometimes switch it up with a spicy marinara.
Cottage cheese – You can leave this as is or blend it for a smoother texture. My favorite right now is the full-fat from Good Culture.
Grated parmesan – I love getting a block of raw parmesan and grating it fresh, but pre-grated always works!
Olive oil – Or a neutral oil like avocado oil, for lightly coating the chicken.
Spices – Salt, pepper, garlic powder.

How To Make

Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the chicken on the baking sheet and option to tenderize for a more even cook and improved texture. (Tip: I use a meat mallet for this but you can also use a rolling pin or anything that will flatten the chicken.)
Drizzle each with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Bake for ten minutes, then flip each chicken breast and bake for another five minutes or until fully cooked through.
Pour and spread half of the marinara on each chicken breast.
Then, add half of the cottage cheese to each chicken breast.
Lastly, divide the parmesan and top each chicken breast.
Broil in the oven for three to five minutes or until cheese has melted.
Serve with a side salad, veggies, and enjoy!

Recommended Tools

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons
Meat mallet – If you’re tenderizing the meat.
Kitchen tongs – For handling both the raw chicken and when it’s hot and needs flipped.

Must Try Healthier Classics

No Bake Healthier Snickers Bars (High Protein, Vegan)

Easy, Healthier Cinnamon Rolls (Gluten Free)

Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten Free)

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