Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful way to prepare crispy and juicy chicken with a golden, cheesy crust. Coated in a delicious blend of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, this chicken is pan-fried or baked to perfection. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish delivers a crispy, savory exterior with tender, juicy chicken on the inside. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

this Recipes

What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish where chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then pan-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy. The Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor, while the breadcrumbs give the chicken a crunchy texture. It’s a quick and easy recipe that results in restaurant-quality chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

To elevate the flavor of your Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you can add these optional ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (mixed with the egg for tang)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for squeezing over the finished dish)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very flexible, so you can adapt it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences:

• Panko vs. Regular Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used for a denser crust.
• Chicken Breasts: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use turkey cutlets for a different protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions for a gluten-free dish.
• Baking vs. Frying: You can bake the chicken for a healthier option, or pan-fry it for a crispier crust.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In three shallow bowls or plates, set up your breading station:

• Bowl 1: Add the flour, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs together in a second bowl until smooth.
• Bowl 3: In the third bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Working with one chicken breast at a time:

1. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.

Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You have two options for cooking the chicken: pan-frying or baking.

• Pan-Frying:
  Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
• Baking:
  Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Slice or pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Step 2: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
• Step 3: Dredge the chicken in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat with Parmesan breadcrumbs.
• Step 4: Pan-fry the chicken in olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, then serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the pan: If pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and crispiness.
2. Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid drying it out. Remove it from the heat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Not seasoning the chicken: Make sure to season each layer (flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture) to ensure the chicken is flavorful throughout.
4. Too thick chicken breasts: Thin chicken cutlets cook more evenly and quickly. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them or pound them to an even thickness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Serve with pasta: Pair the chicken with a simple pasta dish, like spaghetti aglio e olio or fettuccine Alfredo, for a hearty meal.
• Add a salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To serve, place the crispy chicken breasts on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. For a family-style meal, serve the chicken alongside your favorite pasta or roasted vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Elegant Plating: Serve the chicken on white plates with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a clean, restaurant-quality look.
• Family-Style: Place the chicken on a large platter, garnish with lemon wedges and parsley, and let everyone serve themselves.
• Layered Presentation: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta or mashed potatoes for a hearty and visually appealing presentation.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken.
• Freezing: To freeze, bread the chicken but do not cook it. Freeze the breaded chicken on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw and pan-fry or bake as usual.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake this chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes! Baking is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter version. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They may take a few extra minutes to cook depending on their thickness.

Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A: Yes! Regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko will give you a crispier texture. If you use regular breadcrumbs, just note that the crust may be a little denser.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

Q: Can I freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
A: Yes! Bread the chicken but don’t cook it. Freeze the breaded chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw and cook as directed.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful way to make crispy, golden chicken with a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. Whether you’re pan-frying for maximum crispiness or baking for a lighter version, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Serve it with your favorite sides, garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try tonight, and you’ll have a new favorite chicken recipe to add to your rotation!

Print