Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Sink your fork into this flavorful Skillet Chicken Parmesan and you’re in for a truly comforting treat. Crispy breadcrumb-coated chicken breasts are nestled in a bubbling skillet of zesty marinara and gooey mozzarella, then finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of brightness. This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into an Italian-American classic, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. It’s a meal that comes together in under 40 minutes and always disappears in minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how just a handful of honest, everyday ingredients can make Skillet Chicken Parmesan so satisfying. Each element adds a special touch: from the crunch of the coating to the savory richness of the cheese and sauce, every bite hits all the right notes.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts—pounding them evenly ensures juicy results and quicker, even cooking.
- All-purpose flour: This light dusting helps the egg stick, resulting in the classic crispy coating.
- Eggs (beaten): The essential “glue” that binds the crumbs to your chicken and creates a golden crust.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: These bring the herby crunch and crispiness that make Chicken Parmesan irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and deeply savory—it melds with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor in the crust.
- Salt: Just a little sprinkle brings all the flavors to life—don’t skip this!
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Olive oil: For a lusciously golden, crunchy exterior when pan-frying.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or a quick homemade batch; it’s the saucy foundation that ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into stringy, cheesy perfection right on top of the chicken.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh finish that perks up every serving.
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta: The bed for your chicken—classic, hearty, and necessary for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
How to Make Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken
Begin by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or in a large resealable plastic bag. Gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Even chicken cooks more uniformly, resulting in juicy meat without dry spots. Now, season both sides of each piece with salt and black pepper for that perfect base layer of flavor.
Step 2: Dredge, Dip, and Coat
Next, set up your breading station: place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second, and a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in a third. Dredge each chicken breast in flour first, tapping off the excess, then dip into the eggs, coating thoroughly. Finally, press each piece into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, making sure the crust sticks all over. This triple coating is what makes Skillet Chicken Parmesan delightfully crispy and flavorful.
Step 3: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, oven-safe skillet. Add the coated chicken breasts, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Sizzle both sides for about 4 to 5 minutes until each is golden brown and crisp. This step locks in moisture while building that essential crunchy crust. Transfer to a plate briefly if you need to work in batches.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Return all the chicken to the skillet (if needed) and pour the marinara sauce evenly over the pieces. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, covering the chicken with a generous, cheesy blanket. If you love extra cheese, go ahead and add a bit more—there’s no such thing as too much when it comes to Skillet Chicken Parmesan!
Step 5: Melt, Bubble, and Finish
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting everything simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to melt luxuriously and the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, pop the skillet (uncovered) into a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to get those irresistible, bubbly golden spots on top. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for a fresh, fragrant finish.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Garnishes
A final shower of freshly chopped basil or parsley makes all the difference in both color and flavor—don’t skip this extra touch! If you want to be truly decadent, try a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan as soon as it comes out of the oven or off the stovetop.
Side Dishes
Serve Skillet Chicken Parmesan over a big tangle of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic, carb-loving pairing. Add a crisp Caesar salad or garlicky sautéed greens on the side for a well-rounded meal, and a warm slice of Italian bread is always welcome to soak up that melty sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over cheesy garlic bread, or even spoon it into toasted sub rolls for homemade Chicken Parm sandwiches. Hosting a party? Cut the chicken into strips and serve as dippable bites with extra marinara on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Skillet Chicken Parmesan to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to three days, maintaining its tenderness and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled chicken pieces (without pasta) in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to two months. For best results, freeze sauce separately and combine after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of marinara to keep things moist, or bake in a 350°F oven until heated through. The cheese will melt deliciously, and the coating will regain just enough crispness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and offer a juicy, flavorful alternative. Just be sure to pound them thin for even cooking, and adjust timing if needed so they reach 165°F inside.
How do I make Skillet Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The process is exactly the same, and you’ll barely notice the difference in taste or texture—it’s still delightfully crisp and cheesy!
Can I prepare Skillet Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
You can bread and pan-fry the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, add sauce and cheese, then bake or simmer until warmed through and melty on top.
What’s the best way to keep the crust crisp?
For maximum crunch, finish the dish uncovered in the oven rather than on the stove. This lets the cheese bubble and browns the breadcrumbs, while the sauce keeps the chicken moist underneath.
Is it possible to use store-bought marinara?
Yes! A high-quality jarred marinara keeps this dish fuss-free and delicious. Of course, if you have homemade sauce on hand, it’s a fantastic upgrade, but there’s no shame in going the easy route for Skillet Chicken Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Skillet Chicken Parmesan is a weeknight hero and family favorite. It’s comforting, fast, and packed with crave-worthy Italian flavor in every bite. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll earn a spot in your own recipe rotation!
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Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Chicken Parmesan recipe is a delicious and easy twist on the classic Italian dish. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese crust, then topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Finish cooking: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, transfer the skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a crispier crust, brown the chicken in oil and then finish in the oven uncovered.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
