Chicken breast can be boring. It’s the dinner you make when you’ve run out of ideas, or patience. But this parmesan crusted chicken isn’t just another bland, sad meal you cook out of guilt. It’s crispy, cheesy, low-carb magic that’ll actually make you look forward to dinner. Plus, no breadcrumbs, no weird ingredients, and no spending hours in the kitchen wondering where it all went wrong.
I’ve been cooking this for my family every other week, and no one ever asks, “Is this keto?” They just ask for seconds.
What Makes This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Healthy?
You’re skipping all the junk, no bread crumbs, no flour, no deep frying. This one sticks to the basics: good protein, real cheese, and some pantry spices. It’s one of those low carb low fat recipes that actually tastes like comfort food.
If you’re looking for parmesan crusted chicken no bread crumbs, this one’s a go. No crushed pork rinds or cauliflower mess either—just simple, clean ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here. Everything should already be in your kitchen, or you can grab it in 5 minutes.
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Best Foods mayo (yes, use this brand if you can—it helps stick the crust and tastes rich)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (this is your secret to crispy coating)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A drizzle of olive oil or a quick spray for the baking sheet
Quick Prep Tips Before You Start
- Slice those breasts in half. Lengthwise. You’ll end up with 4 thinner cutlets. Cooks faster and stays juicier.
- Pound them out a bit if they’re uneven. Just use a rolling pin or the bottom of a jar.
- Use grated Parmesan not shredded. The fine stuff melts better and gives you a golden, crisp finish.
The Step-by-Step Recipe For keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken
1) Preheat the Oven Right
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Don’t skip this step or rush it. The high heat is what helps that cheesy coating crisp up without drying out the meat underneath. If you’ve got a wire rack that fits on top of a baking sheet, use it—it lets hot air hit all sides of the chicken and keeps the bottom from turning soggy.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a rack, line your tray with parchment paper and give it a light spray of oil to stop the chicken from sticking. Also, don’t forget to place your tray in the center rack of the oven. Not too close to the top or bottom.
2) Build Your Cheesy Crust Mix
Grab a small mixing bowl. Toss in:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – use the powdery kind, not shredded.
- 1/4 cup almond flour – this adds that golden crunch like breadcrumbs used to.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – not garlic salt.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian herb mix – adds some earthy flavor.
- A few pinches of salt and black pepper – adjust to taste, but go light if your Parmesan is salty.
Mix it all with a fork until it looks like golden sand. You want the cheese and almond flour to be evenly mixed, with no clumps of herbs sitting on top.
3) Prep & Coat the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and slice them lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly without burning the crust or undercooking the center.
If any pieces are noticeably thicker than others, pound them gently using the bottom of a heavy cup or rolling pin until they’re roughly even in thickness—around ½ inch is ideal.
Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Now, open up your Best Foods mayo. Use about 1 tablespoon per piece and spread it over the top of each cutlet using a spoon or the back of a butter knife. You don’t need to coat both sides—just the top. The mayo acts like glue for the crust and adds serious moisture without making it greasy.
Then, take your Parmesan-almond flour mix and spoon it generously over the mayo-covered side. Use your fingers to gently press the mix in, making sure it sticks to the entire surface. Don’t be shy—this crust is the star.
4) Bake Until Crispy & Golden
Transfer the coated chicken pieces to your prepared tray or wire rack. Give the tops a light spray of oil (avocado or olive oil work great) to help with browning.
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Check at the 20-minute mark. The crust should look golden brown and slightly bubbly, and the edges will start to crisp up.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken—it should read at least 165°F (74°C).
For that final crunchy touch, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes, but stand nearby—things go from perfect to burnt in seconds under broil.
Once they’re done, take them out and let them rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside and gives the crust time to firm up. If you cut in too soon, you’ll lose all that moisture you worked to lock in.
What You Get
Golden brown crust. Cheesy top. Moist, seasoned chicken that pulls apart with a fork. No dry, rubbery bites. And definitely none of that “keto fake food” taste.
Let’s Talk Flavor Boosts
Want to take it up a notch? Try these:
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the mayo before coating
- Use fresh herbs if you have any—thyme or rosemary is great
- Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for a kick
Meal Ideas That pairs Well
Pair this with:
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Cauliflower mash if you’re sticking to keto
Leftovers? Throw slices into a lettuce wrap with some avocado and hot sauce the next day. Honestly, better than a sad sandwich.
Why Best Foods Parmesan Crusted Chicken Is Worth It
People search for best foods parmesan crusted chicken because it’s a no-brainer. That mayo makes it moist, helps the crust stick, and adds flavor without needing extra oil or butter. Trust me, don’t skip it. It’s what makes this feel like one of those cheat meals that somehow isn’t a cheat.
Crusted Chicken Recipes You Can Actually Make
There’s a lot of weird stuff out there. “Crusted” doesn’t have to mean drowning things in carbs. This parmesan herb crusted chicken hits that balance—flavor, texture, and still good for your body.
You can use this same method for:
- Pork chops
- Turkey cutlets
- Even eggplant slices if you’re going veggie
Same coating, same crisp.
Conclusion
This isn’t a recipe you try once then forget. It ends up on the weekly meal list. It’s the kind of dish where you keep eating even when you’re full, just picking at the crunchy bits left on the tray.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect parmesan crusted chicken breast or something quick that feels homemade without being heavy, this one’s it. It’s low effort, full flavor, and still checks every box for keto, low carb, and low fat eaters.
So yeah, best foods mayo chicken parmesan crusted is a mouthful—but it’s a tasty one. And once you try it, you’ll get why people keep coming back to it. No breadcrumbs, no fuss, no regrets.
PrintKeto Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe
Crispy, juicy, and cheesy, this keto parmesan crusted chicken skips the breadcrumbs and still delivers that golden crunch. Made with Best Foods mayo, real Parmesan, and herbs, it’s perfect for low carb, low fat dinner nights and easy summer meals. Great for anyone on a keto diet looking for healthy dinner recipes that don’t taste like diet food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
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2 large boneless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 cutlets)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup almond flour
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1/4 cup Best Foods mayo
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried parsley or Italian herb mix
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or place a wire rack on top of the tray.
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Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Pound to even thickness if needed. Pat dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Spread about 1 tbsp of Best Foods mayo on the top of each chicken cutlet.
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Spoon the Parmesan mixture over the mayo side and press it in firmly to coat well.
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Place chicken on prepared tray. Lightly spray with olive oil.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
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Optional: Broil the last 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Use finely grated Parmesan for best texture.
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Don’t flip the chicken during baking—just coat one side.
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Goes well with roasted veggies or a light salad.
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Can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 Sugar: 0.5g Sodium: 470mg Fat: 21g Saturated Fat: 5g Unsaturated Fat: 13g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 3g Fiber: 1g Protein: 28g Cholesterol: 95mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make parmesan crusted chicken without bread crumbs?
Yep, you can skip bread crumbs completely. This recipe uses almond flour and Parmesan cheese for the crust instead. It gives you that crispy texture without the carbs or gluten—perfect for anyone on a keto diet or just cutting carbs.
What kind of mayo works best for parmesan crusted chicken?
Best Foods mayo is ideal. It’s thick, creamy, and helps the crust stick while keeping the chicken juicy. You can use other brands, but Best Foods (or Hellmann’s, depending on your region) gives the best texture and flavor in this dish.
Is parmesan crusted chicken good for keto or low fat diets?
Yes, it’s great for both. The recipe is low in carbs and high in protein, with healthy fats from mayo and cheese. Just pair it with low-carb sides like roasted veggies or salad to keep the meal keto and balanced.