Pan-Seared Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella over a garlicky tomato sauce, inspired by Australian pub favorites. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends all-purpose flour, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1/4 cup all-purpose flour on a plate. Pat 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry, then dredge each evenly in the flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the floured chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some tomato sauce over each. Sprinkle evenly with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Step 6: Cover skillet with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving with crusty bread or pasta.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Parmesan with Garlic 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-Seared Chicken Parmesan with Garlic 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-Seared Chicken Parmesan with Garlic 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-Seared Chicken Parmesan with Garlic 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-Seared Chicken Parmesan with Garlic 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.

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