Description

Skillet Chicken Parmesan is a quick, comforting one-pan meal featuring crispy, tender chicken breasts coated in Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted plant-based cheese. Enhanced with smoked turkey bacon and fresh basil, this dish offers satisfying flavors perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Cheese

2 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, crisped and crumbled
1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
1 plant-based egg substitute, for coating

Coating and Seasonings

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Aromatics

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (natural)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the boneless chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into the plant-based egg substitute, then dredge in a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to create a flavorful crispy coating.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add smoked turkey bacon slices and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pan for cooking the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Warm the Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the same skillet along with minced garlic. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes to heat through and develop flavors.
Combine and Melt: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts into the warm marinara sauce. Top each piece generously with plant-based cheese and the crumbled smoked turkey bacon. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the skillet chicken Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting combination of textures and bold flavors.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure thorough cooking without drying out.
Use fresh garlic to enhance the marinara sauce aroma and flavor.
Smoked turkey bacon adds smokiness and crunch; do not omit if possible.
Melt the cheese gently by covering the pan to avoid sauce burning.
Use a cast iron or thick-bottomed skillet for even cooking and better crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Pan-frying and melting
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Skillet Chicken Parmesan, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, one-pan meal, gluten-free Italian