Name: Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 to 2 pounds chicken cutlets; 1 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, sliced; 2 cups marinara tomato sauce, homemade or store-bought; 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced; Fresh basil, for garnish; Red pepper flakes, for garnish; Cooked spaghetti or rice

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy Italian classic but want something quick and fuss-free, then this Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how this recipe combines crispy, golden breaded chicken with melty mozzarella and tangy marinara—all cooked in one pan for super easy cleanup. Stick around because I’m about to share everything you need to know to nail this dish every time, plus some tips I discovered along the way to make it foolproof and seriously delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Convenience: You get to crisp, simmer, and melt right in the same skillet without extra dishes.
Perfectly Crispy Chicken: A simple breading and frying method creates the crispiest crust every time.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re team spaghetti, rice, or just great bread, this dish pairs beautifully.
Family Favorite: My whole crew goes crazy for this meal, and it comes together in about 40 minutes!

A black frying pan filled with a rich, red tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture and visible herbs. On top of the sauce, there are five pieces of golden-brown fried food, each topped with a smooth, white cheese slice that is beginning to melt. Small green basil leaves and a sprinkle of herbs are scattered across the sauce and cheese. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, with natural light highlighting the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a starring role here—from the crispy coating to the luscious cheese topping and the rich tomato sauce. When you shop, I recommend grabbing good-quality marinara (or making your own if you have time) and really fresh chicken cutlets for best results.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors in the chicken and seasoning.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right touch of mild heat.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the breading stick and creates a light crust.
Large Egg: Acts as the sticky binder for the breadcrumbs.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Gives that classic textured, flavorful coating.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp saltiness right in the crust for extra umami.
Chicken Cutlets: Thin and even for quick cooking and perfect crispiness.
Olive Oil: You’ll use it for frying and flavoring the sauce base.
Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic, sliced: Gives that aromatic punch.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version for saucy, savory goodness.
Mozzarella Cheese, sliced: Melts into gooey perfection over each chicken piece.
Fresh Basil: Brightens and freshens up the dish at the end.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a little spicy kick.
Cooked Spaghetti or Rice: Great serving bases that soak up all the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe is both classic and incredibly flexible. Whether you’re watching your carbs, want to add a veggie twist, or even prefer a spicier version, you can easily make it your own.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko and use gluten-free flour to keep things safe but just as crispy.
Spicy Twist: I like sprinkling extra red pepper flakes in the sauce and on top of the melted cheese for a fiery kick.
Vegetable Boost: Try adding thinly sliced zucchini or spinach to the sauce before layering on the cheese—I find it adds freshness without overpowering the dish.
Cheese Swap: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, provolone or fontina make lovely melty alternatives.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Breading Stations and Chicken

First things first, set yourself up for success by getting your breading stations ready. I mix salt and pepper right into the flour to season it well, then whisk the egg in a second bowl, and combine the Italian breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan in a third. Coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shake off the excess, dip in the egg, and then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. This triple-step coating is what gives the chicken that perfect, crispy crust you’ll love.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Nearly Done

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a few breadcrumbs sizzle immediately after you drop them in—the oil should be around 325°F. Fry the chicken cutlets about 4 minutes per side; you want them golden and crisp but not fully cooked through yet. Avoid overcrowding the pan—if you add too many at once, the coating won’t crisp properly, so fry in batches if needed. When done, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and carefully pour out most of the oil into a bowl to cool, leaving just about a tablespoon in the skillet.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Bake

In the same skillet, add diced onion and sliced garlic over medium-low heat and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Pour in your marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Nestle the fried chicken cutlets back into the sauce, then top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Now it’s oven time—transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce bubbles, cheese melts perfectly, and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a moment before you dig in. Serve it hot over cooked spaghetti, rice, or just with some crusty bread and a green salad. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh basil and red pepper flakes on top for that next-level restaurant-quality touch!

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Pro Tips for Making Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches if needed so each piece crisps up nicely without steaming.
Keep Oil Temperature Steady: Maintain medium heat to avoid burning the breading while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It saves you from extra dishes and lets you go straight from stovetop to oven.
Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to reach exactly 165°F for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe

A white plate holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a bed of plain yellow spaghetti noodles, thin and smooth, spread evenly across the plate. On top lies a layer of chunky red tomato sauce with bits of tomato and small dark green herb pieces scattered throughout. The top layer is a large piece of breaded chicken, golden brown on the sides and covered with a thick, white melted cheese slice sprinkled with black pepper flakes. A fork lifts a piece of chicken, showing the white inside, capturing the texture contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I’m all about fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The basil adds a lovely herbal brightness and looks gorgeous on the finished dish, while those red pepper flakes bring just the right hint of heat to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this skillet chicken Parmesan are simple—steamed spaghetti tossed in olive oil or garlic butter to soak up every bit of sauce, or fluffy rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. A fresh green salad or garlic-roasted veggies round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I like to serve this chicken on a rustic wooden board surrounded by basil sprigs, lemon wedges, and small bowls of extra marinara and red pepper flakes. It’s a lovely way to get everyone to dig in family-style and makes the meal feel cozy and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover chicken Parmesan cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 4 to 5 days, which makes it great for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works surprisingly well! I wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers without losing that crispy texture or melty cheese, I pop the chicken back in a 325°F oven with some sauce on top until warmed through and bubbly again. It’s way better than the microwave for this kind of dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

Absolutely! If you use chicken breasts, it’s best to slice them in half horizontally or pound them to an even thickness to mimic cutlets. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Is it necessary to fry the chicken before baking?

Frying first creates that delicious crispy crust that baking alone won’t achieve. The baking step melts the cheese and finishes cooking the chicken through, but frying is essential for texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can omit the Parmesan and mozzarella or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it’s still tasty.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries—you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish after frying for the baking step. Just be careful transferring everything to keep the crispy crust intact.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

My favorite trick is to drop a few breadcrumbs into the hot oil; if they sizzle immediately, the temperature is right. If they burn or brown too quickly, turn the heat down a bit.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe has become a go-to in my house whenever we want a satisfying, homemade Italian dinner with minimal hassle. It’s got all the things I crave—crispy crust, melty cheese, tangy sauce—and the best part is how simple it is to make. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I do, whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself to something special. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!