Try This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tonight

Chicken finds its ultimate crispy companion in this mouthwatering parmesan crusted chicken recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

The golden-brown exterior conceals tender, juicy meat beneath a perfectly seasoned cheese coating.

Every bite promises a delightful crunch that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary, proving gourmet meals aren’t complicated.

The blend of parmesan, herbs, and crisp breading turns an ordinary protein into a spectacular dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Parmesan Crusted Chicken Hits the Spot

• Mastering this Parmesan crusted chicken requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• The combination of Parmesan, panko, and Italian seasoning creates an incredibly crispy exterior that locks in juicy chicken, delivering a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
• This recipe adapts effortlessly to different serving styles – serve alongside salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta, making it a go-to option for family dinners or casual entertaining.
• Using just a few pantry staples like flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and cheese, you can transform simple chicken into a mouthwatering meal that looks and tastes impressive without requiring specialized ingredients.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the star of this crispy, cheesy dish.

• Flour: Creates a dry base layer for the breading process.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breading stick to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light and crispy texture to the chicken coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that boost the chicken's natural taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a crisp, golden exterior.
• Lemon (Optional): Offers a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Position the rack near the top to guarantee that perfect golden crunch we’re after.

This strategic placement ensures your chicken gets beautifully crisp without burning.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create four gorgeous thin pieces.

Take a paper towel and give each piece a thorough pat-down to remove excess moisture.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

These simple seasonings will elevate the chicken’s natural flavors.

Step 3: Create Breading Stations

Set up three shallow bowls for your coating adventure:

First bowl: All-purpose flour

Second bowl: Whisked eggs

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Mixing these ingredients ensures a consistent, flavorful coating.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Perfectly

Dredge each chicken piece through the stations.

Start with flour, shake off excess.

Dunk into eggs, then press firmly into the breading mixture.

Use separate hands for wet and dry ingredients to minimize messy fingers.

Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place two chicken pieces and cook 2-3 minutes per side until they turn gorgeous golden brown.

Use tongs for easy flipping.

Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining pieces, adding extra oil as needed.

Step 6: Bake for Final Touch

Transfer seared chicken to the oven.

Bake for approximately 5 minutes until internal temperature hits 165°F.

This quick bake ensures juicy, fully cooked chicken without drying out.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate immediately while the crust remains wonderfully crisp.

Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon over the top for a zesty finish that brightens the entire dish.

Smart Tips for Parmesan Chicken Crunch

• Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create even, thin pieces that cook quickly and maintain consistent texture throughout.
• Always pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help the breading adhere better and achieve a crunchier exterior.
• Use separate hands for wet and dry ingredients during coating to prevent messy, clumpy breading and ensure clean, even coverage.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, guaranteeing it reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Blend Parmesan and panko thoroughly before coating to ensure every bite has an equal amount of cheesy, crispy goodness.

Storing Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, placing parchment paper between pieces to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat skillet over medium-low heat with tiny bit of olive oil. Cook chicken 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully to maintain crispy crust. Check temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Sides That Go with Parmesan Chicken

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the chicken's parmesan crust without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the parmesan-crusted chicken, adding a bright, peppery contrast that elevates the entire meal.
• Textural Vegetable Match: Roast asparagus spears with garlic and olive oil to provide a tender-crisp vegetable side that mirrors the chicken's crunchy exterior while adding nutritional balance to the plate.
• Refreshing Drink Option: Pour a chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge to cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the chicken's savory coating and providing a light, effervescent accompaniment.

Fun Twists on Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Parmesan Chicken: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free panko for the coating to maintain the crispy texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap flour and panko with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Add extra Parmesan cheese to boost the crust's crispiness and maintain low-carbohydrate requirements.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the breadcrumb mixture. This adds depth and complexity to the standard Parmesan coating, creating a more aromatic chicken dish.
• Spicy Kick Option: Mix red pepper flakes or cayenne powder into the breadcrumb blend. This introduces a subtle heat that complements the cheese's richness, offering a zesty alternative for those who enjoy more vibrant flavors.

FAQs

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko creates a lighter, crispier coating that provides more texture and crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs. They absorb less oil and result in a more delicate, airy exterior on the chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are similar in thickness and adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through. The breading technique remains the same.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a simple substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Alternatively, just use dried herbs you have on hand or skip it and add extra black pepper and garlic powder for flavor.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken delivers golden perfection on your dinner plate. Crunchy exterior and juicy meat create a simple yet sophisticated meal that brings Mediterranean flavors directly to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts

Cheese:

• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Dry Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 heaping teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third section to ensure optimal cooking and crispiness for the chicken.
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to create four thin, even pieces. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken dry, then season both surfaces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.
3. Arrange three separate shallow containers: one filled with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third containing a blend of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for an evenly distributed coating.
4. Meticulously coat each chicken piece by first dredging in flour, ensuring excess is shaken off. Next, dip into the egg mixture, then carefully press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan combination, using separate hands for wet and dry ingredients to maintain clean coating technique.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place two chicken pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior. Transfer seared pieces to a plate and repeat the process, adding additional oil as necessary.
6. Arrange the seared chicken pieces in the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing thorough cooking without compromising moisture.
7. Remove from oven and serve immediately while the crust remains crisp and appetizing. Optional: Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge to introduce a bright, citrusy note to the dish.

Notes

• Test chicken thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges by gently pounding pieces to uniform thickness before breading.
• Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners without compromising crispy texture.
• Choose low-fat Parmesan and use less oil for a lighter version that maintains delicious flavor profile while reducing overall calorie content.
• Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, guaranteeing a more tender and succulent final result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg