Creamy Mozzarella Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Indulge in a delicious and comforting dish that brings the family together around the table. This Creamy Mozzarella Parmesan Chicken Skillet features succulent chicken breasts, expertly coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, simmered in a luscious marinara sauce. Topped with gooey fresh mozzarella, this dish offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Perfect served over a bed of linguine or your favorite pasta, it's a meal that is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. A recipe inspired by Emeril that transforms ordinary chicken into extraordinary comfort food!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
4 (Pounded to 1/4 inch thickness)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Flour
1/2 cup (For dredging)
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (For coating)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (For coating and topping)
Egg
1 (Whisked with milk)
Milk
1/2 cup (Whisked with egg)
Butter
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
4 ounces (Sliced)
Marinara Sauce
your favorite amount (Store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two slices of plastic wrap and gently pound them until they are about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring even cooking.
2
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3
Prepare the coating by dredging each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Dip each floured chicken breast in this mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
5
Combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in another shallow dish. Dredge the egg-washed chicken in this mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
6
In a large deep skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until sizzling.
7
Carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the browned chicken and place on a plate to keep warm.
8
Pour the marinara sauce into the same skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance the flavor. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
9
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Generously sprinkle more Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
10
Place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, then cover the skillet.
11
Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully and the chicken is tender and juicy.
12
Serve the cheesy chicken over linguine or your favorite pasta, and enjoy an unforgettable meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Mozzarella Parmesan Chicken Skillet?
It is a comforting dish featuring succulent chicken breasts coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan, simmered in marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
Place them between plastic wrap and gently pound them to about 1/4 inch thickness for even cooking.
What is the first step in seasoning the chicken?
Season both sides of the pounded chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
How do I start the breading process?
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, ensuring you shake off any excess for a light coating.
What is in the egg wash?
The egg wash is made by whisking together one egg and 1/2 cup of milk.
What goes into the final breading layer?
The final layer is a mixture of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What fats are used to fry the chicken?
The chicken is cooked in a combination of 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long do I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken over medium heat for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
What do I do after the chicken is browned?
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to keep it warm.
How do I prepare the sauce in the skillet?
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
How long should the marinara sauce simmer?
Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
When do I add the chicken back to the pan?
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet after the marinara sauce has simmered for 10 minutes.
Do I add more cheese to the chicken?
Yes, generously sprinkle more Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts once they are back in the sauce.
What cheese goes on top of the chicken?
Place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
How long is the final cook time?
Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the chicken is tender.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served over a bed of linguine or your favorite type of pasta.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breast halves, typically serving 4 people.
What makes the chicken tender?
Pounding the chicken to a 1/4 inch thickness and simmering it in the sauce ensures it stays juicy and tender.
What kind of skillet should I use?
A large deep skillet is recommended to hold the chicken and the sauce together.
Is this recipe inspired by any famous chef?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the cooking style of Emeril Lagasse.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include chicken, parmesan, mozzarella, comfort food, skillet, pasta, and Italian cuisine.
Can I use plain breadcrumbs?
The recipe calls for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, but you can use plain if you add your own Italian herbs.
Why should I scrape the bottom of the pan?
Scraping the browned bits (fond) into the sauce adds a depth of savory flavor to the meal.
How do I know when the cheese is ready?
The cheese is ready when it has melted beautifully over the chicken breasts.
Is the chicken fully cooked during the first frying step?
No, it is browned for 2-3 minutes per side and finishes cooking during the final 8-10 minute simmer.
What is the role of the flour?
The flour helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken, creating a better base for the breadcrumbs.
Do I need to cover the skillet?
Yes, covering the skillet during the final simmer helps the mozzarella cheese melt properly.
What type of Parmesan is best?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used both in the breading mixture and as a topping.
Is this a good family meal?
Yes, it is a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dish designed to bring the family together.