Easy dinners like this Keto Parmesan-Crusted Chicken will never go out of style! The marriage of a mayonnaise-based marinade topped with a crispy cheese coating is simple but shockingly delicious. (And there is no need for breadcrumbs!) When I make this easy low-carb chicken dinner, my family falls upon it like a pride of hungry lions.
I am always looking for low carb recipes that I can make for the whole family. Recipes like this Keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken are perfect!
I can enjoy it with a cooked veggie side or simple green salad, and they can enjoy it with a carby side if they like.
This recipe looks and tastes fancy, but it is one of the easiest dishes I have made in a while.
I think that you will fall in love with the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise - Homemade mayo is excellent if you have time. I have even used this Garlic Lemon Aioli for an extra punch of flavor. If you buy mayonnaise, make sure that you read the label and that it doesn't have sugar in it.
- Thyme - You can use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh thyme if you like. If you prefer, dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder are also fabulous options.
- Salt and Pepper - My recommendation is always 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of meat.
- Parmesan - Finely grated fresh parmesan cheese is best here. Steer clear of the shelf-stable parmesan that comes in a can.
Serving Suggestions
This easy recipe is versatile and goes with so many different sides. It is excellent with Brussels sprouts, Parmesan green beans, and Keto Broccoli.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Your Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- Use the Right Temperature: To avoid burning the Parmesan crust, make sure the oil is 350°F. Use an instant-read thermometer or a frying thermometer to ensure you are at the right temperature.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: If you choose to fry this chicken, a non-stick skillet is helpful to prevent the Parmesan crust from sticking and breaking apart.
- Leftovers: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or in your oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Step-by-Step
See the recipe card below for measurements, cooking temperatures and times, and nutrition information.
To make gluten-free mayo parmesan chicken, the first thing you need to do is make the mayonnaise mixture.
To do this, simply stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Feel free to play with the seasonings; Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are all nice here.
Next, coat the chicken in the mayonnaise mixture. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If I am on the ball, I like to do this a day ahead of time to really let the flavors penetrate the chicken.
When you are ready to cook the chicken, combine the parmesan and baking powder in a bowl.
Dip the chicken in the cheese mixture and press the cheese into the chicken to ensure it adheres.
Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Preheat your oven and place an oven-safe rack on a baking sheet.
Spray the chicken with oil. And bake until golden brown. Flip the chicken, and cook until golden.
Air Fried Keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Preheat your air fryer and line the air fryer basted with an air fryer liner. (This is optional but recommended.)
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Spray it with oil and cook until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.
(Note - You will not need to flip in most air fryers, but every air fryer is different.)
Fried Low Carb Parmesan Crusted Chicken
I usually don’t use non-stick skillets, but if you choose to fry this recipe, non-stick will yield the best results.
Heat the oil in the bottom of your skillet.
Add the chicken and cook, flipping only after a golden crust has formed. The total cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken and its thickness.
In general, it should take about 12 minutes for the chicken to cook.
Keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 16 ounces chicken breast
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup avocado oil or oil spray
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken with the mayonnaise mixture. Allow the chicken to sit for at least 15 minutes- If possible, do this up to one day ahead of time.
- Place the parmesan and baking powder in a shallow dish and stir to combine. Dredge the chicken in the cheese mixture, pressing the cheese into the make.
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Put an oven-safe wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Spray the chicken with oil.
- Arrange the chicken on the wire rack and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers 160° F.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Stove Top
- Heat oil in a heavy-duty skillet to 350°F.
- Add the chicken, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping when a parmesan crust is golden brown. Remove from the pan when an instant-read thermometer registers 160° F.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving.
Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375° F. Line your air fryer with an air fryer liner.
- Spray the chicken with oil and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer registers 160° F.
Debora F says
Looking forward to making this recipe
Wendy Polisi says
Enjoy!
Cyn Wise says
This was lovely! I did use canned parm because that was all I had. I decreased the salt but followed all the other directions exactly. I used my air fryer for cooking and it came out juicy and perfectly toasted! This is going into weekly rotation! (12/11/21)
Lori says
Love your combination and suggestions in the coating. I have never seen baking powder added with flour to a recipe. What does the baking powder add to the entree? Thanks!
Lori says
Sorry---that should read, "I have never seen baking powder added without flour to a recipe."
Crumbl Cookie says
Crispy, cheesy, and keto-friendly—this chicken dish is absolutely irresistible!