Skillet Chicken Parmesan

and with less frying and oil than the traditional dish.  I am part Italian so simmering my tomato sauce for hours is in my blood but some nights I can’t make my own and do that so I do rely on the jarred sauce and I “doctor” it up as my Dad would say.  I let it simmer with the chicken so for 30 – 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.  It works, remember there are no leftovers.

salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

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

Have your chicken “station” ready. Pour 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.Combine.

Coat your chicken with the panko mixture.  You will have to press the mixture lightly into the chicken to get it to stick better.

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

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

Add all the chicken back into the skillet and cover. Let simmer about 30 – 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

While the chicken is cooking, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.

Once the chicken is cooked, top each piece with a 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.  Remove and serve chicken and sauce over the fettuccine noodles.

Enjoy!