Imagine transforming ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering Italian masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen - but can be prepared in under an hour! This Easy Chicken Parmesan Skillet Dinner is your secret weapon for a quick, impressive meal that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. With golden-crusted chicken, rich marinara sauce, and a blanket of melted cheeses, this one-pan wonder proves that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and a nice crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure each piece is partially covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over each chicken breast.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the chicken to retain its juices.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves before serving. Serve hot directly from the skillet with your choice of side dishes like pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve proper browning.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and allow the cheese to set.
- For extra flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheeses.
- Customize by adding red pepper flakes for heat or using different Italian herb blends.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and melted cheese experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 130mg
