No animals were harmed in the making of this fabulous feast! I know you are drooling over this deliciousness because my decadent recipe for Chicken Parmesan has everything you love about a classic Italian dinner but instead of consuming a living, breathing being that doesn’t need to be in your body, you should absolutely make this dish! And when you cook up this goodness I guarantee that it will be the most hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will ever bless your lovely lips. Want to add some extra protein? Marinate firm tofu in the same beautiful broth and batter it up to baked perfection. Give this recipe a glow and let me know how it goes!
If you love this recipe, you might also want to try my other Italian-inspired “chicken” recipes like my Vegan Protein Pesto Sandwich and Creamy Vegan Alfredo Pasta!
COURSE: Main, Lunch, Dinner
CUISINE: Italian, Soul Food, European
NUTRITIONAL FACTS: (Per 1 Steak)
- Calories 428g
- Protein 9g
- Dietary Fiber 12g
Why You Will Love This Vegan Chicken Parmesan:
I know you are drooling over this deliciousness because my decadent recipe for Chicken Parmesan has everything you love about a classic Italian dinner but instead of consuming a living, breathing being that doesn’t need to be in your body, you should absolutely make this dish! And when you cook up this goodness I guarantee that it will be the most hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will ever bless your lovely lips. Want to add some extra protein? Marinate firm tofu in the same beautiful broth and batter it up to baked perfection. Give this recipe a glow and let me know how it goes!
About the Ingredients:
This vegan chicken parmesan recipe is made with wholesome ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious. Cauliflower and mushroom are used to create the crispy chicken-like texture, while marinara tomato sauce adds a rich and savory flavor. Vegan parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top for a cheesy finish, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness. You won’t even miss the meat with these flavorful and wholesome ingredients!
Cauliflower
Cauliflower can be a vegan alternative to crispy chicken due to its meaty texture and neutral flavor, which makes it a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned and cooked in a variety of ways. In this vegan chicken parmesan recipe, cauliflower is breaded and baked to create a crispy and flavorful texture that is similar to traditional chicken cutlets. This method of preparation also makes the dish lighter and lower in calories and saturated fat compared to its meat-based counterpart!
Plus, cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be a vegan alternative to crispy chicken because they have a meaty texture and a savory flavor that can be enhanced with seasoning and cooking techniques. In this vegan chicken parmesan recipe, mushrooms can be used as a substitute for cauliflower to create a chewy and crispy texture that is similar to traditional chicken cutlets.
Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of nutrients such as B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
Marinara Tomato Sauce
Made with fresh, ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this classic Italian sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy and flavorful cauliflower and mushroom “chicken” cutlets. In addition, the acidity of the tomatoes in the marinara sauce helps to balance the richness of the vegan parmesan cheese, creating a perfectly balanced dish. This hearty goodness is also present in my Plant-Based Pepperoni Pizza Dip recipe!
In addition to adding depth of flavor to the dish, marinara sauce also contributes to its nutritional value, as it is low in calories and fat, and high in fiber and lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer and promote heart health.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Made from a blend of nuts, nutritional yeast, and spices, this plant-based cheese has a rich, nutty taste that complements the other flavors in the dish. It adds a satisfying umami flavor that is similar to traditional parmesan cheese, making it a great substitute for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. I also used this cheese in my Vegan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe to give it that ooey-gooey element!
In addition to being delicious, vegan parmesan cheese is also a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins such as B12 and magnesium. Plus, it is low in calories and contains no cholesterol, making it a healthier option for those who want to enjoy the taste of parmesan cheese without the negative health effects of dairy products.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to this vegan chicken parmesan recipe. It is used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, as well as to enhance the overall flavor profile. Parsley has a mild and slightly bitter taste that complements the other flavors in the dish, such as the savory vegan parmesan cheese and the tangy marinara tomato sauce.
Additionally, parsley is a nutrient-dense herb that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic disease.
Questions and Tips:
What equipment can I make this recipe in?
To make this vegan chicken parmesan recipe, you’ll need basic kitchen equipment such as a cutting board, a sharp knife, a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a blender or food processor. You’ll also need an oven to bake the assembled dish. Optional equipment that may be helpful include a garlic press, a cheese grater (if using store-bought vegan parmesan cheese), and a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cauliflower and mushroom “chicken” cutlets. Overall, this vegan chicken parmesan recipe can be made with standard kitchen equipment and does not require any specialized or advanced equipment.
Are the extra toppings necessary?
Although this recipe is already savory enough on its own, there are a variety of extra toppings that you can add to this vegan chicken parmesan recipe to customize the dish to your liking. For example, you could add some fresh basil leaves on top of the dish to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Red pepper flakes could also be sprinkled on top of the dish to add a bit of heat and spice. Another option would be to add some sautéed vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the dish to increase its nutritional value and add some extra flavor and texture. Ultimately, the toppings you choose will depend on your personal taste preferences, but these are just a few ideas to get you started.
What else can I serve with this Vegan Chicken Parmesan?
There are many different side dishes and accompaniments that would pair well with this vegan chicken parmesan recipe. One great option is to serve it with bread or toast like my Tropical French Toast recipe. Another great option is to serve the dish with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts found in my Loaded Rainbow Veggie Bowl. The caramelized and slightly crispy texture of the roasted vegetables would contrast nicely with the soft and tender vegan “chicken” cutlets. Whatever you choose to serve with it, be sure to enjoy this delicious and satisfying plant-based meal!
How long does this recipe last?
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maximize the shelf life of the dish, you can also freeze it for later consumption. To do this, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is hot and bubbly.
It’s important to note that the texture and quality of the dish may be slightly altered after being frozen and thawed, but it should still be safe to eat.
Will non-vegans like this?
While everyone’s taste preferences are different, non-vegans will definitely enjoy this vegan chicken parmesan recipe! The cauliflower and mushroom “chicken” cutlets are crispy and flavorful, and the marinara sauce and vegan parmesan cheese add a savory and cheesy element to the dish. So if you’re serving this recipe to non-vegans, don’t be afraid to give it a try! They may be surprised at just how tasty and satisfying a plant-based meal can be.
