If you are craving something crispy, flavorful, and absolutely comforting, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s all about that perfect golden crust loaded with cheesy, Italian-inspired goodness, giving you the kind of crispy bite that simply melts into juicy, tender chicken underneath. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing your loved ones, this recipe promises a delightful balance of texture and flavor that feels indulgent without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role—adding layers of flavor, crunch, and that irresistible cheesy crust that makes this dish memorable.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Cutting them ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic warmth without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken, creating a smooth base for the crispy crust.
- 2 eggs: Act as the glue, binding the flour and breadcrumb layers to the chicken perfectly.
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give you that ultra-crispy texture we all crave.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show, delivering savory, nutty flavor with every bite.
- 1/2 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that adds authentic Italian flair.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used both for frying and finishing, it imparts richness and helps achieve a perfect crust.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and positioning the rack in the top third. This setup is essential because you’ll finish cooking the chicken in the oven to guarantee juicy, cooked-through meat without losing that golden crust you worked so hard to create.
Step 2: Slice and Season the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts lengthwise so you end up with four thinner pieces. Pat them dry—this little step is key for crispiness. Then sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning forms the tasty foundation for all the layers to come.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
Organize three bowls: one with the flour, one with beaten eggs, and a third mixing panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This station setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient—plus, it’s pretty fun to dip and coat each piece carefully.
Step 4: Heat Your Skillet with Olive Oil
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to an oven-safe skillet and warm it over medium heat. A hot skillet ensures the coating begins crisping the moment the chicken hits the pan without sticking or tipping over.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Coat each chicken piece in flour first, then dip it into the egg bath, and finally press it into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Use one hand for the wet steps and the other for dry to keep it neat. Don’t be shy to gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so that beautiful crust really sticks.
Step 6: Fry until Golden
Cook two pieces at a time in your skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Use tongs to flip them gently. Once the first batch is done, add the remaining olive oil and repeat with the rest. Once all four pieces are golden, place them all in the skillet and pop it in the oven for 5 minutes to finish cooking.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Take the skillet out and serve right away to enjoy the crunch at its best with juicy, tender chicken inside. It’s truly a dish you won’t want to wait on!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the warm, cheesy crust. You can also zest a little lemon on top to add a subtle zing that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside steamed asparagus or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of garlic butter pasta or nestled beside a vibrant tomato and mozzarella salad for a colorful plate. You can also stack with sautéed spinach and drizzle with a light balsamic glaze to wow your guests visually and with each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust will stay fairly crispy, and the chicken will keep its juicy texture well if reheated thoughtfully.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated whenever you need a quick, delicious meal.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness, reheat the chicken in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and lose the delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe and provide juicy, flavorful meat. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Is panko breadcrumb necessary or can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are preferred because they create a lighter, crispier crust. Regular breadcrumbs can work but might result in a denser, less crunchy coating.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative with a similarly sharp, salty bite. Just be sure to use freshly grated for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe delicious while accommodating a gluten-free diet.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is using an instant-read thermometer—it should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. The cheese crust can brown quickly, but internal doneness is key for safety and juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a special treat but comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Once you try it, this crisp, cheesy chicken will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners to share with family and friends. So go ahead, get cooking, and savor every delicious crunchy bite!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features crispy, golden chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Pan-fried to a perfect crust and finished in the oven, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously savory and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Coatings
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the upper third to prepare for finishing the chicken after searing.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into two thinner pieces, resulting in four pieces total. Pat dry with paper towels, then season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Place an oven-proof skillet on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it heat as you bread the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat them with the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture. Press gently to adhere crumbs.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Add two chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, flipping carefully with tongs. Transfer to a plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and repeat with the other two pieces.
- Finish in the Oven: Remove skillet from heat and arrange all four breaded chicken pieces evenly in the skillet. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
- Serve: Serve the parmesan crusted chicken immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Using an oven-proof skillet streamlines the process by allowing stovetop searing and oven finishing in one pan.
- For extra crispiness, gently press the breadcrumb mixture into the chicken to ensure it sticks well before frying.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- This recipe pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
