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Crispy Smash Chicken Parmesan Skillet

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A quick and easy chicken parmesan recipe that delivers a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and vibrant tomato sauce, ready in just 18 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), pounded thin
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 g), or gluten-free flour as substitute
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (240 ml), canned
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 g)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional; dried basil works too)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Pound to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Spread flour on a plate and lightly coat each chicken piece, shaking off excess.
  3. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Place a chicken breast in the skillet and press down firmly with the back of a spatula or flat pan for 10 seconds to flatten further. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving until edges are golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3 minutes.
  5. Push chicken to one side of the skillet. Add minced garlic to the oil and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Stir gently and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken sauce slightly.
  7. Spoon sauce over each chicken piece, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top. Cover skillet with lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  8. Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking and crispiness. Do not skip the smashing step to achieve the signature crispy crust. Cook two pieces at a time to avoid crowding the pan. Use a lid or foil to melt cheese evenly without drying chicken. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives and olive oil with avocado oil. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days; reheat gently in skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, crispy chicken, skillet recipe, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/crispy-smash-chicken-parmesan-skillet-recipe-ready-in-18-minutes-easy-and-delicious/