Description
Skillet Chicken Parmesan is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring crispy, golden chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce (natural) and melted plant-based cheese for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner. Cooked entirely in one pan with smoked turkey bacon for added smoky flavor, this recipe balances simplicity and taste, perfect for any occasion or dietary preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup marinara sauce (natural)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup cheese (plant-based), shredded or sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder (natural), and Italian seasoning (natural). Coat each chicken breast evenly with breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the smoked turkey bacon slices until crispy but still tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Fry the Chicken: Using the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan and cook over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the crust is golden and crisp while the meat remains juicy.
- Add Marinara and Cheese (plant-based): Reduce the heat to low. Pour the marinara sauce (natural) over the chicken breasts to cover them. Arrange the cooked smoked turkey bacon slices on top of the chicken, then sprinkle the plant-based cheese generously. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt slowly and the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot for an indulgent and comforting meal.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure juicy and even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed for a crispy crust.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast-iron for consistent browning.
- Cover the skillet to melt cheese (plant-based) without drying out the chicken.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Skillet Chicken, Plant-based Cheese, Gluten-Free, Easy Dinner, Italian Recipe
