Crispy Chicken Parmesan Skillet Bake

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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Skillet Bake – Italian-Inspired Family Favorite

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Skillet Bake is a hearty and comforting twist on the classic chicken parmesan. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are coated in golden panko breadcrumbs, pan-fried until crispy, and then baked to perfection with a rich herbed tomato sauce and layers of melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests—your family will be asking for seconds!

Total Time: 45 minutes

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8–10 oz each)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole, skim, or unsweetened non-dairy milk)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • 15 oz plain tomato sauce (or use marinara and skip added herbs)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly grated melts best)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each one horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, giving you four pieces total. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls:

  • In the first, place the flour.
  • In the second, whisk the eggs and milk.
  • In the third, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

One by one, coat each piece of chicken in the flour (shake off excess), then dip it into the egg-milk mixture, and finally press it into the panko to ensure a firm coating.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron), heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Chicken should be fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and carefully discard the oil from the skillet. Tip: Let the oil cool slightly and pour it into a heatproof container—never down the drain.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, warm the tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in basil, oregano, parsley, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet (or a baking dish if preferred). Spoon the herbed tomato sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 425ºF (220ºC) oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over:

  • Spaghetti or other pasta (buttered or lightly tossed with olive oil)
  • Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
  • Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for a full Italian-inspired meal

Tips & Variations

  • Want to save time? Use store-bought marinara sauce instead of plain tomato sauce and spices.
  • For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying: 400ºF for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach under the cheese layer for extra nutrition.
  • Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)

  • Calories: 629
  • Protein: 52g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 1175mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

 

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