Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Awhile back my kids and I stayed up late watching the local cooking channel; this recipe had them hooked :) I was intrigued by the idea of cooking chicken Parmesan in a skillet instead of the oven, so I set out to make it and I can tell you, the recipe did not disappoint.  It was delicious!  Everyone raved at how good it was and couldn't wait until we could make it again.  It is simple enough, but they are right, the provolone really adds a hint of richness other recipes don't have.  This is my go to recipe now!  Who doesn't love a fast and easy meal that is simply delicious?

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs*
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1TBSP dried
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
•   Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds), halved horizontally
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese

Instructions

·         1. Toast bread crumbs in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and half of basil. In separate bowl, combine remaining olive oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan, remaining basil, garlic, tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.

·         2. Place flour in dish. Season chicken with salt and pepper and coat with flour. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in now-empty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to plate and repeat with remaining cutlets and vegetable oil.

·         3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add tomato mixture to empty skillet. Return cutlets to pan in even layer, pressing down to cover with sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and remaining Parmesan over chicken. Cover with lid and cook until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with bread crumb mixture and serve.

* To make fresh bread crumbs, grind 2 to 3 slices hearty white sandwich bread in the food processor.

Easier Chicken Cutlets

MAKING CUTLETS

To cut, use the palm of your hand to hold the chicken breast in place, keeping your fingers straight and parallel to the breast. Using a sharp chef's knife, start at the thickest part of the breast and slice it in half horizontally, producing two even cutlets.

You can find the recipe on cookscountry.com