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Easy Crispy One-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Easy Crispy One-Pan Chicken Parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan chicken Parmesan recipe that delivers a crispy crust and melty cheese without the mess, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature is best)
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup (35 g) grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh or low-moisture shredded
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In separate shallow dishes, place the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir the breadcrumb mixture together for an even coating. (3 minutes)
  3. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the coating adheres well. (5 minutes)
  4. Add olive oil to your skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  5. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid moving them too much to keep the crust intact. (10 minutes)
  6. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to help the cheese melt smoothly—this takes about 3-4 minutes. (5 minutes)
  7. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. (2 minutes)

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, swap cheeses with plant-based alternatives. To keep chicken crispy when reheating, use a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) and avoid microwaving. If chicken is thick, finish in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes after adding cheese. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, one-pan recipe, quick dinner, crispy chicken, easy chicken parmesan, weeknight meal, skillet chicken parmesan