Description
An easy and comforting Skillet Chicken Parmesan featuring crispy chicken breasts topped with melted plant-based cheese and a rich, natural tomato sauce. Prepared all in one pan for quick cleanup and a flavorful Italian-inspired weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g. pectin, agar)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (parmesan style), shredded
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season with salt and black pepper. Coat each piece thoroughly with bread crumbs, pressing gently so they adhere well for a crunchy crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic briefly until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and the natural gelling agent. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Assemble with Cheese and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the tomato sauce over the chicken pieces. Top with shredded plant-based cheese and chopped smoked turkey bacon. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the dish to add a fresh herbaceous note and visual appeal. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure the chicken crisps properly instead of steaming.
- Use fresh basil added at the end for maximum flavor and aroma.
- Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes to retain juiciness.
- Use the recommended amount of natural gelling agent to achieve perfect sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan, skillet chicken, plant-based cheese, gluten-free, Italian dinner, one-pan meal
