Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan

Low-carb dieters often complain that they miss many of their favorite foods, especially carb-heavy Italian fare. However, no low-carber should ever feel deprived! There are ways to make almost any dish low-carb friendly, and chicken parmesan is no exception. Here's how it's done!

Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan Ingredients (serves 2):
1 lb. chicken breast (about 2 large breasts)
4 oz. plain, unflavored pork rinds (about 2 bags)
1 egg
1 c. canned tomatoes (diced or whole)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 clove garlic
1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 oz. parmesan cheese, grated
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and dried herbs to taste
Oil for pan-frying
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Chop the garlic and sauté in oil until light golden in color. Add the tomato paste and sauté a minute more. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, breaking them up if whole. Season to taste with salt, pepper and dried herbs. Allow to simmer while preparing chicken.

Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: Chicken
Butterfly chicken breasts, cutting all the way through, to create several thinner pieces of chicken. Pound each piece with a meat mallet until chicken is about 1/4 inch thick. Prepare a seasoning mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and other dried herbs (I like to use basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary and parsley) and lightly dust the chicken with the spices.

Pour 1/2 inch of oil in a large, wide skillet, and heat over medium high heat until the oil reaches approximately 350 degrees. Meanwhile, place the pork rinds in a food processor and process until completely pulverized. Place in a shallow dish. Beat the egg in another shallow dish with a tablespoon of water. Dip the chicken breasts in the egg, then dredge in pork rinds, making sure to cover all exposed areas. Press lightly to help pork rinds adhere. Fry the chicken in the oil for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: To Serve
Place the chicken parmesan pieces on a broiler-proof baking sheet and top each with tomato sauce, then add mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Broil for 3-4 minutes on high, or until the cheese melts and browns. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve low-carb chicken parmesan alongside grilled low-carb vegetables or salad. Bon appétit!