Skillet Chicken Parmesan with Zesty Marinara
Indulge in a comfort meal with this Skillet Chicken Parmesan, featuring tender browned chicken breasts simmered in a robust marinara sauce. Top this dish with a perfect blend of melted mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or an inviting weekend gathering, this dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a crisp side salad. Adjust the levels of cheese and sauce as per your taste preference.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
3 tablespoons
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6
salt & freshly ground black pepper
to taste
prepared marinara sauce
24 ounces (1 jar)
fresh grated parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (divided)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
2
2. In a 12-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Brown them well, turning as needed until they are golden and crisp, approximately 10-12 minutes.
4
4. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce until fully cooked through, around 25 minutes.
6
6. Uncover the skillet and evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese on top.
7
7. Allow the dish to stand over low heat until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, making sure everything is heated through.
8
8. Serve hot, perhaps with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skillet Chicken Parmesan with Zesty Marinara?
It is a comfort meal featuring tender browned chicken breasts simmered in a robust marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How do I season the chicken?
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides before cooking.
What size skillet is needed?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended to accommodate the chicken and sauce.
How much oil is required for browning?
You will need 3 tablespoons of oil.
At what heat should I brown the chicken?
Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering before adding the chicken.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
It takes approximately 10-12 minutes to brown the chicken until golden and crisp.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 24 ounces (1 jar) of prepared marinara sauce.
How is the Parmesan cheese divided?
Use 4 tablespoons of Parmesan during the simmering process and the remaining 2 tablespoons as a final topping.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the skillet once the marinara sauce and initial Parmesan are added.
How long should the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer in the sauce for about 25 minutes until fully cooked through.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
Reduce the heat to medium-low while the chicken is simmering.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Uncover the skillet after the 25-minute simmer and distribute the mozzarella over the chicken and sauce.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What is the final step for the cheese?
Allow the dish to stand over low heat until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh side salad.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or an inviting weekend gathering.
Can I adjust the amount of cheese?
Yes, you can adjust the levels of cheese and sauce according to your taste preference.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, parmesan, easy, italian, main course, weeknight dinner, comfort food, family meal, and skillet recipe.
Does the chicken need to be breaded?
No, this version of chicken parmesan involves browning the seasoned chicken directly in oil without breadcrumbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: oil, chicken breasts, salt/pepper, marinara sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella.
How do I ensure the chicken is golden?
Turn the chicken as needed during the initial 10-12 minutes of cooking over medium-high heat.
Is the parmesan cheese freshly grated?
The recipe specifies using fresh grated parmesan cheese for the best results.
Should I coat the chicken in sauce?
Yes, ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated when you pour in the jar of marinara.
What if I don't have a 12-inch skillet?
You can use a similar large pan, but ensure it has a lid for the simmering stage.
Can I use homemade marinara?
Yes, you can substitute the 24-ounce jar of prepared sauce with an equivalent amount of homemade marinara.
Is the chicken cooked before adding the sauce?
The chicken is browned first, but it finishes cooking through during the 25-minute simmering stage.
How do I serve the dish?
Serve the chicken and sauce hot while the cheese is still melted and bubbly.
How should the chicken feel before adding sauce?
The chicken should be browned well and crisp on the outside before the sauce is added.