Pan-Fried Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce
Tender chicken breasts coated in Parmesan and breadcrumbs, pan-fried and topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese for a comforting pub-style meal. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends all-purpose flour, beaten large eggs, grated Parmesan cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 large (about 6 oz each), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2, beaten large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 large skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2-inch thickness) with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mixture of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup plain breadcrumbs.
- Step 2: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and stir in 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet, spoon the tomato sauce evenly over them, and sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken parmigiana hot with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes or salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce?
Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.