Easy Chicken Parmesan Skillet Recipe

This Easy Chicken Parmesan Skillet Recipe is made in one pan. Panko-crusted chicken simmered in marinara sauce and topped with fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese served over pasta makes for a comforting meal.

This post is updated with fresh pictures and more recipe detailed information – August 2023

I love Chicken Parmesan. Each time I make it I look forward to leftovers for lunch the next day. There are never any leftovers with this recipe! This version comes together pretty quickly and with less frying and oil than the traditional dish. Thinking I may have to double the recipe just to have leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This recipe uses one pan to cook the sauce and chicken. Easy cleanup!
• Ready in 30 minutes.
• Classic recipes like this tend to be comfort food that the whole family will love.

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is pretty much on the menu at any Italian restaurant. Traditionally there is chicken that is breaded with a parmesan-breadcrumb breading, and there is some kind of tomato-based sauce, and of course, mozzarella cheese melted over it. Usually served with pasta of some kind, too.

This dish can be referred to as Chicken Parm. Other times it has also been known as Chicken Parmigiana. Whatever you call it, just know it’s good food. It’s my husband’s favorite to order at Olive Garden.

It can be made in the oven, but I like to make it on the stovetop using a skillet. Not only does the chicken turn out crispy and tender, but also quicker to get dinner on the table. That’s what we need, simple, delicious, and quick meals. Another skillet chicken dish we love from a restaurant is this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat). It’s a winner.

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet or cast iron skillet
• shallow bowls

Ingredients

• 4 to 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 jars Ragú® Spaghetti Sauce (any flavor, you can’t go wrong)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
• 2 tablespoons parsley flakes, divided
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1 box of fettuccine noodles, cooked.
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instruction:

Step 1

Prepare your chicken by cutting larger pieces in half, if necessary.  Thicker pieces may need to be butterflied or pounded lightly with a mallet until about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Set up your breading station but pouring the panko bread crumbs into a shallow bowl and add the Parmesan, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon parsley flakes. Whisk together to combine. In another shallow bowl, whisk one egg.

Step 3

Dip your chicken pieces into the egg and let the excess drip off. Then place the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Coat both sides with the panko. Place on a plate and continue with the rest of the chicken.

Step 4

Heat the 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe large skillet (or cast iron skillet) on medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces a few at a time, do not overcrowd as this will result in a mushy coating not crispy.  You will brown the chicken on both sides, about 2 – 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Remove from the skillet and place on a platter. Set aside.

Step 5

Reduce temperature to medium.  At this point, wipe out your skillet with a paper towel to remove the excess oil. Pour your spaghetti sauce into the same skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Add all the chicken back into the skillet and cover. Let simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 7

While the chicken is cooking, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and keep warm. Also at this time, preheat your broiler

Step 8

Once the chicken is cooked, top each piece with spinach leaves and mozzarella cheese.  Place oven-safe skillet in the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.  

Step 9

Remove and serve chicken and sauce over the fettuccine noodles.

Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

• You may use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, adjust cooking time.
• Substitute regular breadcrumbs for the Panko, if desired.
• Omit the spinach and garnish with chopped basil.
• You want to make sure your chicken is thin enough so that it cooks quickly.
• If you prefer, you could make this dish with other types of pasta; penne would be great in this dish.
• Cook chicken until a meat thermometer reaches165℉.

You May Enjoy These Other Chicken Recipes

• Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites
• Spicy Maple Glazed Grilled Chicken
• Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Flatbread Pizza
• One Pot Italian Chicken with Orzo

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

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Enjoy!