Quinoa Chicken Parmesan
With an amazingly crisp quinoa crust, you’ll never guess that this is actually so healthy and packed with tons of protein!
I had a random craving for chicken parmesan the other night so I set out to the kitchen to whip up my favorite baked chicken parmesan recipe. But I quickly realized that I was out of breadcrumbs, so I took a risk and tried out a quinoa crust instead – and boy, was I in for a treat.
I was definitely a bit skeptical about the use of quinoa but it worked out so well. With a simple flour-egg-quinoa prep, the quinoa is baked to a wonderful crispness right in the oven. And when you slather on that melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, you’ll completely forget that this is actually completely healthy and nutritious!
Quinoa Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut crosswise in half
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, homemade or storebought
- ¼ cup basil leaves, chiffonade
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a large saucepan of 1 1/2 cups water, cook quinoa according to package instructions. Stir in Italian seasoning.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Working in batches, dredge chicken in flour, dip into eggs, then dredge in quinoa mixture, pressing to coat.
- Place chicken onto the prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Top with cheeses and marinara. Place into oven and bake until cheeses have melted, about 5 more minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with basil, if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
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What type of side dishes would you serve with this? Still pasta? Or is that weird with the quinoa? Haha. Thank you!
Maybe zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash?
This was an excellent idea but I think next time I am going to use chicken broth instead of water to cook the quinoa to give it a little more flavor. Mine turned out fine. Halfway through I turned up the temp. but was careful to not dry out the quinoa and it browned nicely. I will be making it again and for the topping I am going too try putting homemade pesto on top. Thanks for the recipe. Love trying new ideas!!!
I haven’t cooked a meal in a long time due to a an injury and a recent illness. So i am looking forward to
getting back to cooking again and pleasing my sister with good cooking ideas from years ago! Wish me luck in this new adventure as I head forth to do wonderful cooking ideas from my past.
This was sooooo easy and damn delicious! Everyone loved it. Adding it to the rotation!
I made mine with breadcrumbs and it turned out great. I’m a newbie in the kitchen so it was nice that the recipe was this simple/ easy to make. Wasn’t sure how the tomato sauce would complement everything, but it really was a nice addition.
I would like to see you change the name of your blog. The language you use in your home and among your friends privately is your business but when you are dealing with the public, you should consider that there are those of us who do not use such language. I have always understood that a well educated person did not need to use such language to express their feelings and thoughts. I did not try the recipe so I did not rate.
Hi Mary! If this is something you are truly uncomfortable with, we ask that you visit another recipe page that suits your means.
Thanks so much for stopping by and stay safe!
This is ridiculous. You should create your own blog. You can choose the best damn name for it. I’m sure it will only highlight how educated you are with the utmost class, grammar and perfect etiquette. Have a lovely day!
Do you think i can sub the eggs for something else ?
I ran out of eggs
Any other options for dusting chicken, in place of flour. I suppose cornstarch, might work for those that are gluten free, but what if you wanted to stay away from flour or cornstarch? Any other suggestions that you or anyone has tried?
I made this for my family and even my young kids thought it was delicious. We usually use breadcrumbs or panko for breaded chicken, and I didn’t miss it by upgrading the nutrition with quinoa. The color and texture of the quinoa was perfect to use as a healthy breading for the chicken.
Question: I usually use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa and liquid. Yours is less liquid, so does that make a difference in the results?
Yes, the quinoa will be more dry with less liquid, which is better when coating the chicken.
Do you let the quinoa cool before putting it on the chicken?
Yes, please let it cool enough to handle.
One thing is for certain, the recipe is great, but the temperature in which to bake moist quinoa until golden brown is higher than 400 degrees for the time given. Left in longer to brown at 400 causes the chicken to become over-done. 450 for a shorter period seems to work more favorably.
Was wondering if I could bake the quinoa coated chicken ahead of time and refriderate (or freeze if I make a huge batch) and then pop it in the oven again with the cheese and sausage to heat up. Busy mom with three kids and I get home kinda late, so just looking to speed up the dinner making process. This looks delish I have it pinned for forever and can’t wait to finally make it this week.
Yes, of course! What a great idea!
Looks So much delicious, i want to try as soon as possible. you just gave me carving lol…
Have you tried this using eggplant? I’m wondering what the cook time would be?
I actually have not – sorry!
Wow, what a BRILLIANT idea! I have all this quinoa in the pantry that I need to use up, I’ll definitely be trying this!
Tyson make gluten free chicken nuggets/strips that are super good so I’m glad I now have this recipe to try to make them myself! Thanks! I am new to discovering your blog and recipes but definitely won’t be the last time!
If my husband was making dinner it would consist of mostly meat, meat, and more meat. I have been trying to find new & awesome recipes that are healthy and consist of other ingredients, other than just meat. Haha This recipe was perfect!!! My husband loved it and that’s another way I know it was good! What an amazing idea to use Quinoa in place of breading. And its super healthy! Ill definitely be making this again!!!
Can i use almond flour instead?
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
I haven’t baked mine yet, but its a epic mess on the pan! The quinoa is sticky and won’t “sticky” to the chicken, completely falls off. I think there is a step missing that the quinoa should be cold or made a day ahead of time. Given that I paid a pretty penny for the organic chicken, I hope it tastes better than it looks.