Prepare to be blown away by the sheer deliciousness of the Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet! This dish is a scrumptious fusion of classic chicken parmesan and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Chicken parmesan has long been a beloved Italian-American comfort food, but by adding the savory, smoky goodness of bacon, we’ve taken this dish to new heights. The crispy bacon not only adds a delightful texture but also infuses the entire skillet with its irresistible flavor. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!
Ingredients for Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese create a delightful crunchy coating for the chicken, while the Italian seasoning and garlic powder add depth of flavor. The crispy bacon provides a satisfying crunch and savory punch, and the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese bring it all together in a melty, cheesy goodness.
Preparing the Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish:
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Flatten each chicken breast to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Mix the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add Marinara and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Get ready to savor every bite of this Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet!

Baking the Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet
The baking step is crucial for melting the mozzarella cheese and ensuring the chicken is cooked through. The high oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) helps the cheese become deliciously bubbly and golden, while the marinara sauce adds a zesty, tomato-y flavor that complements the chicken and bacon perfectly.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the skillet during the baking process to prevent the cheese from burning. The combination of the crispy bacon, melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce creates a truly irresistible dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet
This Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet is a hearty, satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a side of al dente pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish.
For a touch of elegance, you can garnish the skillet with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The combination of the vibrant green basil and the golden, melted cheese creates a visually stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
When it comes to wine pairings, consider a bold, acidic red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti, which will help cut through the richness of the dish and complement the flavors beautifully.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of the Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet is that it lends itself well to customization and experimentation. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetable-Packed Version: For a healthier twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet before baking.
- Alternate Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses, to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
FAQs for Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet
What ingredients do I need to make Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet?
To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, crispy bacon, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, and optional garnishes like fresh basil or parsley.
How long does it take to cook Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet?
The total cooking time for this dish is approximately 30-40 minutes. This includes the time for preparing the ingredients, cooking the chicken, and allowing the dish to bake in the skillet until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I make Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare certain components of the dish ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and bacon in advance and assemble the skillet later. However, it’s best to bake the dish just before serving to ensure the cheese remains gooey and the dish is hot.
What can I serve with Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet?
This dish pairs well with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Pizza Skillet
- Crispy Bacon Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bombs
- Ultimate Bacon Ranch Chicken Stuffed Bombs
- BBQ Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries Casserole
Conclusion
The Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet is a culinary masterpiece that combines the best of Italian and American flavors. With its crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy marinara sauce, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to dive into this flavor-packed skillet and experience the ultimate comfort food explosion!
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Print
Discover the Amazing Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Prepare to be blown away by the sheer deliciousness of the Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet! This dish is a scrumptious fusion of classic chicken parmesan and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Flatten each chicken breast to an even thickness for even cooking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
5. In the same skillet, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled bacon.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Get ready to savor every bite of this Crispy Bacon Chicken Parmesan Explosion Skillet!
Notes
The baking step is crucial for melting the mozzarella cheese and ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the skillet during the baking process to prevent the cheese from burning.
This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 100