My sister gave this Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Bake a 17 out of 10! Not 10 out of 10. SEVENTEEN. 😂 So I think it’s safe to say this one is worth sharing!
This is another one of those recipes where you look at the ingredient list and wonder whether you really have the energy to make dinner. But here’s the thing: despite that long list, this chicken Parmesan bake comes together surprisingly quickly. And most of those ingredients are simply seasonings that give the dish its wonderful flavor.
You’ve got crispy, gluten-free breaded chicken, homemade marinara, tender zucchini, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. And if you have a favorite family marinara recipe—or a jar of sauce you love—by all means, use it! This meal is all about comfort, not making extra work for yourself.
Colleen’s Kitchen
The Pampered Chef tools I used to make this recipe easier.
Quick Half Tool
Safe, even cuts.
SHOP
Can Opener
No sharp edges.
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Mandoline
Prep without the mess.
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Round Stone
From dinner to dessert.
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Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my Pampered Chef links.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Bake
- All the comfort of classic Chicken Parmesan. Crispy breading, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fresh basil. What’s not to love?
- Naturally easy to adapt. Use homemade marinara, a favorite family recipe, or a good-quality jarred sauce.
- A complete meal in one pan. The zucchini bakes right underneath the chicken, so you’re getting vegetables without making another side dish.
- Gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. Gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan create a delicious, traditional-style coating.
- Weeknight-friendly. The ingredient list might look intimidating, but much of it is pantry seasonings, and the preparation is straightforward.
A Few Ways to Make Chicken Parmesan Even Easier
I’m all for making a great dinner, but I’m also a big believer in knowing where to save a little time.
Homemade marinara is wonderful, especially when you have a few extra minutes to let the garlic, tomatoes, and herbs simmer together. But if you’ve already got a favorite sauce, there’s absolutely no reason to reinvent the wheel.
And here’s another little trick: keep thin-sliced chicken cutlets in the freezer. They’re a terrific shortcut for recipes like this because you don’t have to spend time slicing and pounding chicken breasts. Just thaw them safely in the refrigerator before cooking.
The goal isn’t to make dinner complicated. It’s to make something delicious that brings everyone to the table.
Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Bake with Homemade Marinara
Ingredients
Homemade Marinara
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves pressed
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1½ lbs thin chicken breast cutlets
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup gluten-free Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium zucchini sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- ¾ cup fresh part-skim mozzarella cheese sliced ¼-inch thick
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. You’ll need about 2 cups for the chicken. Save any extra for another meal.
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken dry. Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres.
- Arrange the zucchini in the bottom of the Square Stoneware Pan and season lightly with salt. Arrange the breaded chicken over the zucchini in a single layer. Drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the breading begins to turn golden. Remove from the oven and spoon about 2 cups homemade marinara over and around the chicken. Return to the oven and bake another 5–8 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Lay the mozzarella slices and remaining ¼ cup Parmesan evenly over the chicken. Return to the oven for another 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let stand for 5 minutes, then finish with plenty of fresh basil.
Notes
Is This Chicken Parmesan Bake Really Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe uses gluten-free Italian-style breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs, so you can enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan without wheat-based breading.
Just be sure to check the labels on your breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, and seasonings to confirm they’re gluten-free. If you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease, you’ll also want to prevent cross-contact during preparation.
This recipe does contain dairy from the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Comfort Food Is Meant to Be Shared
Some dinners are worth making simply because they taste good. Others become the meals people request again and again.
With a 17/10 rating already on the books, I have a feeling this Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Bake might be one of those recipes!
And whether you’re making dinner for your family or inviting a few friends over, remember that a wonderful meal doesn’t have to mean spending the entire evening in the kitchen.
That’s the same philosophy behind my Complete Dinner Party Plans. I take care of the menu, recipes, preparation timeline, welcome cocktail, table inspiration, and those little touches that make an evening feel special.
You can explore them in my Complete Dinner Party Plans shop.
Because great food brings people to the table. Meaningful moments keep them there.
Save me a bite!
Colleen 🥂
Looking for more easy comfort food? If you love dinners that taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen without actually doing so, try my Homestyle Burger & Potato Casserole. It’s another family-friendly meal that makes a long ingredient list feel surprisingly manageable!
[…] you love easy Italian-inspired dinners, you’ll also want to try my Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Bake with Homemade Marinara. It’s another delicious way to get dinner on the table without making things […]