Description
Easy Skillet Chicken Parmesan featuring tender chicken breasts cooked golden, layered with a rich homemade natural tomato sauce, melted plant-based cheese, and fresh herbs. A quick, one-pan Italian-inspired dinner that is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Tomato Sauce (Natural)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for spicy twist)
Topping
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts gently to an even thickness to ensure uniform and quick cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper before setting aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer them to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the Tomato Sauce (Natural): In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, fresh basil, oregano, natural gelling agent, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Sprinkle generous layers of plant-based cheese across the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes, until bubbly and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, inviting meal.
Notes
- Even thickness is key: pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and soak up the sauce.
- Don’t rush searing: let the chicken brown undisturbed for rich flavor and beautiful crust.
- Fresh herbs matter: using fresh basil and oregano elevates the sauce’s taste dramatically compared to dried.
- Cheese quality counts: opt for plant-based cheese with good melting qualities for that classic ooey-gooey texture.
- Simmer low and slow: maintaining a gentle simmer on the sauce ensures it thickens without burning or losing depth.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the skillet over low heat or use a microwave with a splash of water to keep moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Skillet Chicken Parmesan, plant-based cheese, easy dinner, one-pan meal, Italian comfort food, gluten free, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural tomato sauce
