Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of cooking a perfectly crispy, cheesy Italian classic right in your own kitchen without a complicated multi-step process, then this Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It comes together in one pan, effortlessly combining juicy chicken cutlets, golden breading, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella into a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make this skillet chicken parmesan recipe, it’ll be hard not to crave it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple, but they each play a vital role in building the flavor, texture, and character of this skillet chicken parmesan recipe. From the crispy coating to the melty cheese and zesty sauce, every component matters.

• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of breading to help the next coatings stick.
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Provides crunch and classic Italian flavor for the crispy crust.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and umami that make the crust irresistible.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the breadcrumbs cling to each cutlet perfectly.
• 1 cup olive oil: For frying, lending richness and that golden crust we all love.
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced: Infuses the sauce base with aromatic depth and warmth.
• 2 cups marinara tomato sauce: Either homemade or your favorite store-bought brand — it brings acidity and sweetness balancing the richness.
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds chicken cutlets: The star of the dish — tender and juicy beneath the crunchy coating.
• 1/2 cup diced onion: Adds subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce.
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced: Melts to creamy, stringy perfection, crowning each piece of chicken.
• Fresh basil, for garnish: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal finish.
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish: Optional, for a touch of heat and color contrast.
• Cooked spaghetti or rice, for serving: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by warming your olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 325°F. This temperature is just right for frying the breaded chicken to golden perfection without burning. A quick test is dropping a breadcrumb in the oil — if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Prepare Breading Stations

Set up three shallow bowls: one with salt, pepper, and flour; one with a whisked egg; and one with Italian breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. This assembly-line style helps keep your breading process efficient and tidy.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Cutlets

Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan blend. Place the breaded cutlets on a plate while you prepare to fry.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Fry the cutlets in the hot oil for 4 minutes on each side. The goal is crispy golden breading with the chicken about 90% cooked through — don’t fully cook it just yet or it may dry out later in the oven. Work in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Sauté Onions and Garlic

After frying, pour out most of the olive oil, leaving roughly a tablespoon in the pan. Add diced onion and sliced garlic, cooking gently over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, releasing its sweetness and garlic’s aroma.

Step 6: Add Marinara Sauce

Pour in your marinara sauce and let it come to a gentle simmer, blending beautifully with the sautéed onions and garlic.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Nestle the fried chicken cutlets into the sauce. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese over each piece, setting the stage for that signature gooey, melty topping.

Step 8: Bake to Finish

Transfer the skillet carefully to a preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want to see the sauce bubbling, cheese fully melted, and the chicken cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy perfection.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately over your choice of spaghetti, rice, crusty bread, or even a fresh green salad to soak up all those wonderful juices.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must to add brightness and a fresh herbal essence that contrasts beautifully with the richness. Red pepper flakes are optional but loved by many for a slight spicy kick that wakes up the dish. A light sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan at the table can also elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

The classic choice is cooked spaghetti tossed with olive oil or a bit of butter to complement the sauce without overpowering it. Rice is an excellent alternative to soak up all the flavors if you want a gluten-free option. For lighter fare, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel that makes everyone feel at the table. Alternatively, plating with a colorful vegetable medley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a fancy touch for special occasions or weeknight dinners that deserve a little extra love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skillet chicken parmesan can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. To keep the chicken from drying out, store it with the sauce and cheese, which help preserve moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to make extra. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can lead to soggy breading and unevenly melted cheese. Instead, reheat in a 325°F oven with the sauce until the cheese melts again and the chicken is warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

Absolutely! If using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to make thinner cutlets. This ensures even cooking and a nice crispy coating without drying out the meat.

Do I have to use marinara sauce or can I substitute?

Marinara is traditional for this recipe, but you can swap in your favorite tomato-based sauce or even a spicy arrabbiata for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the sauce isn’t too watery to keep the dish from becoming soggy.

Is it necessary to fry the chicken before baking?

Frying first gives the chicken that essential crisp texture and golden color that baking alone can’t achieve. However, for a lighter version, you can bake breaded chicken first and then add sauce and cheese, but the texture will be different.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the marinara sauce, are gluten-free as well.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F. The cheese should be bubbly and melted, and the sauce hot throughout.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe inspires you to bring a delicious, satisfying Italian classic to your table with ease. It’s a meal that feels special but comes together without fuss, perfect for weeknights or any time you want to impress family and friends with a flavorful, comforting dish. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Skillet Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender breaded chicken cutlets fried to a golden crisp, then simmered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Finished in the oven, this comforting Italian-American classic is easy to prepare in one skillet and perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or with a fresh salad.

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Ingredients

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Seasonings and Coating

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 cups marinara tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds chicken cutlets
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced

Garnishes and Serving

• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish
• Cooked spaghetti or rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Warm 1 cup of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat until it reaches approximately 325°F and a breadcrumb sizzles on contact.
2. Prepare breading stations: In one bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour. In another bowl, whisk the egg. In a third bowl, mix Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bread the chicken cutlets: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the whisked egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Place the breaded cutlets aside on a plate.
4. Fry the chicken: Fry the breaded chicken cutlets in the hot olive oil for 4 minutes on each side. The chicken should be about 90% cooked inside—avoid fully cooking them now. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove cutlets from the skillet and set aside. Carefully pour out most of the olive oil into a bowl to cool, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet.
5. Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onion and sliced garlic to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
6. Add marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a low simmer.
7. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake to finish: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce is bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti, rice, bread, or alongside a fresh salad.
10. Storage: Leftover chicken Parmesan can be refrigerated for 4 to 5 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven with sauce until the cheese remelts for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature is about 325°F before frying to achieve a crispy crust without burning.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying chicken to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
• You can use homemade or your favorite store-bought marinara sauce.
• Using an oven-safe skillet allows for seamless transition from stovetop frying to oven baking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
• Serve with your choice of pasta, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers reheat best in the oven rather than microwave to keep the breading crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American