The Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Crispy Perfection

My weekend cooking adventures often feature this delectable parmesan crusted chicken that brings restaurant-quality magic right to our kitchen table.

Crispy golden edges promise incredible flavor in every single bite.

Cheese lovers understand the instant appeal of this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can master this recipe with just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunchy exterior that seals in tender, juicy chicken meat.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory parmesan and perfectly cooked protein.

Come hungry and ready to transform an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Different Sides

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal. Use gluten-free flour for dredging to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip flour and breadcrumbs. Coat chicken directly with grated Parmesan cheese and herbs. Bake in oven at 400°F for crispy texture without extra carbohydrates.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add dried Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil to Parmesan coating. Enhance flavor profile with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary for aromatic depth.
• Spicy Kick Version: Mix cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into Parmesan coating. Include smoked paprika for additional warmth and complexity in chicken's flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time since they are typically thicker and might require a few extra minutes to cook thoroughly.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

• What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block for the best flavor and crispiest crust. Pre-grated cheese from a container might not provide the same texture and taste.

• Is there a healthier cooking method?

Instead of pan-frying, you can bake the chicken in a preheated 425°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, which reduces oil usage and creates a similar crispy exterior.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Feels Crispy, Cheesy, And Delicious

• Quickly Customize Your Meal: Easily swap Parmesan for other cheeses or try different seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe super flexible for various palates.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires just 15 minutes of hands-on cooking time, delivering a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or endless ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Winner: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy, cheesy exterior and tender chicken, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Versatile Weeknight Solution: Perfect for busy families needing a quick, delicious dinner that feels special but doesn't demand hours of preparation or fancy cooking skills.

What You Combine For Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, flavorful exterior with rich umami and golden-brown texture. Panko offers extra crunchiness, while regular breadcrumbs work well too.
• Flour: Creates a smooth base layer that helps coating adhere to chicken.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help breading stick to the chicken surface.

• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, savory flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Paprika: Contributes mild sweetness and beautiful reddish color to the crust.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing flavors.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat for frying and helps achieve a crisp, golden exterior.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Prep Plan

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Take chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it reaches an even thickness.

This helps the chicken cook uniformly and ensures a tender result.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure even coverage and deep flavor penetration.

Step 3: Create the Crispy Coating

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Mixed Parmesan and breadcrumbs

Carefully coat each chicken piece by first rolling in flour, then dipping in egg, and finally pressing into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.

Make sure each piece is completely and evenly covered.

Step 4: Sizzle and Cook

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot pan.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the interior reaches a safe internal temperature.

The crust should be crispy and the chicken juicy.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Transfer the golden Parmesan-crusted chicken to a serving plate.

Pair with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy the crispy, flavorful chicken while it’s hot and fresh.

Tips For Achieving A Perfect Parmesan Crust On Chicken

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten chicken breasts for uniform cooking and crispy texture.
• Don't be shy with spices – they'll boost the chicken's flavor profile and create a more delicious crust.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Place cooked chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove extra oil and maintain crispy coating.
• Experiment with different cheese types like Romano or add herbs like dried basil to the breadcrumb mixture for unique flavor variations.

Parmesan Chicken: How to Keep It Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat chicken in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to prevent toughness, typically taking 1-2 minutes total.
• For maintaining crispiness, briefly pan-fry reheated chicken in a skillet with a touch of oil to restore the golden, crunchy exterior.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Additions

• Enhance Flavor with Crisp White Wine: Pair this golden Parmesan crusted chicken with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the crispy, cheesy exterior and cut through the richness.
• Zesty Mediterranean Salad Partner: Create a tangy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's savory coating and add bright, fresh contrast.
• Roasted Veggie Harmony: Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to provide a crunchy, earthy side that enhances the chicken's crisp texture and adds nutritional depth to the meal.
• Elevate with Creamy Sauce: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or herb-infused sour cream dip to serve alongside the chicken, offering a cool, smooth counterpoint to the crunchy Parmesan crust.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken brings succulent flavor and crispy texture to weeknight dinners. Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, this simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that satisfy hungry families with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) flour

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Gently pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness using a meat mallet, creating an even surface for consistent cooking.
2. Generously season the chicken with salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and smoky paprika, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Establish a three-stage coating process: first, delicately dust each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess to create a thin, even layer.
4. Submerge the floured chicken into whisked eggs, allowing the liquid to create a tacky adhesive surface for the final coating.
5. Combine finely grated Parmesan cheese with crisp breadcrumbs, creating a textured, flavorful exterior that will transform during cooking.
6. Warm a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, allowing the pan to reach an optimal temperature for golden, crispy browning.
7. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot skillet, monitoring each side to achieve a rich, amber-colored crust.
8. Cook the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F and the exterior develops a delectable, crunchy finish.
9. Transfer the golden-brown chicken to a serving platter, letting it rest briefly to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
10. Accompany the Parmesan-crusted chicken with your preferred side dishes, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or tough spots.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten breasts without tearing the meat.
• Choose fresh Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and better coating adherence.
• Adjust breadcrumb mixture by adding dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra depth of taste.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breading stick more effectively.
• For gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and maintain crispy crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg