Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Tomato Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a nutty almond flour crust, baked to golden perfection and smothered in a tangy, low-carb tomato sauce with fresh herbs. This american-inspired keto (low-carb, keto) ready in about 40 minutes blends almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, teaspoon garlic powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 6 oz each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- for garnish (optional) fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, mixing until evenly blended.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast in the almond flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Brush the top of each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Spread 1/2 cup low-sodium marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then top with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
- Step 6: Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Tomato Sauce low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.