Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
Tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, crunchy parmesan crust, served atop zucchini noodles with a rich tomato basil sauce for a satisfying low-carb meal. This italian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breast, parmesan cheese, almond flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 24 oz chicken breast
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds zucchini
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the 24 oz chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, pressing to adhere evenly, then set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the 2 pounds spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still firm (al dente), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add the 1/2 cup low-sugar marinara sauce and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 2 minutes, until the sauce is warmed and the zucchini is coated.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the zucchini and sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through without overcooking.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Zucchini Noodles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Zucchini Noodles?
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 Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Zucchini Noodles 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 Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Zucchini Noodles keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.