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Crispy Skillet Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti

crispy skillet chicken parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy skillet chicken parmesan recipe with a crispy crust, melty cheese, and tender spaghetti, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (100 g) Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up breading station: In one bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts carefully. Cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip gently. Reduce heat if crust browns too quickly.
  6. Lower the heat and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  7. Plate the spaghetti, place the cheesy chicken parmesan on top or beside it, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Add a final grind of black pepper if desired.

Notes

For a crispier bottom crust after melting cheese, uncover skillet and cook an additional 1-2 minutes watching closely. Cook chicken in batches if skillet is crowded to keep crust crispy. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for gluten-free version. Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese if needed. Add red pepper flakes for spice. Let chicken rest a minute before slicing to redistribute juices. Reheat leftovers gently in skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, skillet chicken parmesan, crispy chicken, spaghetti, Italian dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner