Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Golden Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Dinner Magic in Minutes

Sizzling and golden parmesan chicken recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dinner table.

Crispy edges and tender meat create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The perfect blend of savory parmesan cheese and perfectly seasoned coating ensures each bite bursts with incredible taste.

Simple ingredients combined with easy techniques make this dish a weeknight dinner hero.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Juicy chicken emerges from the skillet with a gorgeous golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and texture.

This crowd-pleasing meal stands ready to become your new go-to dinner solution that impresses with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Required for Golden Parmesan Chicken

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender cuts perfect for a golden, crispy exterior that seals in juicy flavors.
For Creamy Coating:
  • Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Provides a rich, tangy base that helps cheese adhere and creates a luscious, moist texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Sharp Cheddar, Asiago: Delivers a bold, nutty punch with irresistible melty goodness that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet delight.
  • Seasoning Salt: Adds depth and balanced saltiness to elevate the overall taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle, warming heat that complements the cheese's richness.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses a robust, aromatic essence that intensifies the dish's savory character.

Tools to Prepare Golden Parmesan Chicken

  • Baking dish (9×13 inch): Large rectangular pan for even chicken cooking.
  • Mixing bowls (small): Perfect for combining mayonnaise and cheese mixture.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures precise parmesan and seasoning amounts.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Cutting board: Surface for preparing chicken strips.
  • Sharp knife: Used for cutting chicken breasts into chunks.
  • Spatula or spoon: Helps spread mayonnaise mixture evenly over chicken.

Instructions for Cooking Golden Parmesan Chicken

  • Chicken Selection

Start with fresh, tender chicken breasts cut into generous chunks. Choose high-quality meat for the best flavor and texture.

  • Milk Bath

Submerge chicken pieces in creamy milk or tangy buttermilk. This secret technique helps tenderize the meat and infuse subtle richness.

  • Flavor Blend

Mix a luscious coating combining creamy mayonnaise, savory parmesan, and aromatic spices. This mixture creates a golden, crispy exterior that seals in moisture.

  • Baking Preparation

Place chicken chunks in a spacious baking dish. Generously coat each piece with the flavor-packed mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

  • Cheese Crown

Sprinkle an extra layer of parmesan across the top, creating a beautiful golden crust that will crisp and caramelize during cooking.

  • Oven Magic

Bake in a preheated oven until the chicken transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown masterpiece. The exterior will become delightfully crisp while the inside remains juicy and tender.

  • Serving Suggestion

Plate the golden chicken alongside vibrant steamed vegetables, garnishing with fresh herbs for a complete, mouthwatering meal that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Cooking Tips & Twists for Golden Parmesan Chicken

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Milk Magic: Buttermilk works wonders for tenderizing chicken, creating a more succulent and flavorful dish. For a tangy twist, try using Greek yogurt as a marinade alternative.
  • Crispy Cheese Hack: For an extra crispy top, use a combination of grated and shredded parmesan cheese. The mix creates a more textured and golden-brown crust that's irresistibly crunchy.
  • Seasoning Playground: Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning, dried basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the chicken a personal flavor kick.
  • Side Dish Swap: Replace steamed broccoli with roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or a colorful Mediterranean vegetable medley to keep the meal exciting and nutritious.
  • Leftover Love: Transform remaining chicken into delicious wraps, salads, or slice and add to pasta dishes for a quick and tasty meal repurposing.

Serving Suggestions for Golden Parmesan Chicken

  • Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this golden chicken on a large platter garnished with fresh herb sprigs, creating a stunning centerpiece that sparks conversation.
  • Comfort Meal Companion: Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf to complement the rich parmesan coating and create a satisfying, hearty meal.
  • Salad Side Sensation: Balance the crispy chicken with a light, zesty mixed green salad topped with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, adding refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken into delicious wraps or salad topping the next day, slicing it thinly and adding to sandwiches or chopped salads for a quick lunch option.

Store and Plan Golden Parmesan Chicken Efficiently

  • Refrigerator Ready: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the golden crust crispy. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften the cheese coating slightly.
  • Meal Prep Superstar: Prepare chicken in advance and divide into portion-sized containers for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Juicy chicken breasts coated in golden parmesan blend create a crispy restaurant-quality meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Home chefs will appreciate this simple method for elevating weeknight dinners with a deliciously crunchy exterior and tender interior.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 1 cup (237 ml) parmesan cheese (or sharp cheddar, or asiago), divided
  • 1 cup (237 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips or chunks to ensure consistent cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
  2. Marination: Immerse chicken pieces in milk, letting them tenderize for a minimum of 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor depth.
  3. Oven Setup: Preheat oven to 375°F, establishing an ideal roasting environment for the chicken.
  4. Coating Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into a smooth, harmonious mixture.
  5. Assembly and Coating: Arrange milk-soaked chicken in a 9×13 baking dish, generously applying the prepared mayonnaise mixture to ensure complete coverage.
  6. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over the coated chicken, creating a potential for a crispy, golden exterior.
  7. Roasting Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the chicken achieves a perfect golden-brown color and is fully cooked through.
  8. Final Crisp: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to develop a delectable caramelized top and enhance the texture.
  9. Serving: Plate the golden parmesan chicken alongside steamed broccoli, garnishing with fresh parsley to add a vibrant, herbal finishing touch.

Notes

  • Tenderize Thoroughly: Milk bath is crucial for breaking down chicken proteins, making meat incredibly soft and flavorful when marinated for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
  • Coating Consistency Matters: Whisk mayonnaise mixture until completely smooth to ensure even, delectable coverage on each chicken piece.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain exact 375°F oven temperature for perfect golden-brown exterior without drying out the chicken’s interior.
  • Broiler Boost: Final 1-2 minute broil creates irresistible caramelized cheese crust, transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish.
  • Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 44g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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