Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crispy, golden chicken gets a delightful parmesan crusted chicken recipe makeover that turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

The perfect blend of herbs and cheese creates a mouthwatering coating that seals in juicy tenderness.

parmesan brings a rich, nutty flavor that elevates every single bite.

This dish comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients from your pantry.

Home cooks love how impressive yet uncomplicated this recipe feels when they serve it.

The golden-brown crust provides a satisfying crunch that makes everyone at the table lean in for seconds.

You’ll want to add this to your weekly dinner rotation and watch everyone ask for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes into Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender canvas for our crispy coating, select plump, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Flour: Creates a smooth, tacky base layer that helps breading adhere perfectly to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Ultra-light, crunchy texture that provides an irresistible golden exterior with delightful crispness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty depth and helps create a gorgeous golden-brown crust with intense savory notes.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the breading with aromatic herbs that elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.

• Eggs: Act as the crucial glue that binds the breadcrumb mixture to the chicken, ensuring a perfect crispy seal.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a warm, subtle aromatic essence that complements the chicken's natural flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat for achieving a beautifully golden, crisp exterior while adding a subtle fruity undertone.

Equipment Needed for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Oven-proof skillet: Essential for stovetop browning and baking the chicken.
• Measuring tablespoons: Perfect for precise oil measurements.
• Three medium mixing bowls: Necessary for creating dredging stations with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Paper towels: Helpful for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Whisk or fork: Needed to beat eggs thoroughly.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Used for slicing chicken breasts.
• Sharp knife: Required for splitting chicken breasts lengthwise.

Directions for Cooking Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F, positioning the rack near the top for that perfect golden crunch.

• Chicken Transformation

Slice chicken breasts into thinner pieces, creating delicate and even portions that will cook like a dream.

• Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the chicken, waking up those taste buds with a simple seasoning dance.

• Crispy Coating Station

Create a three-part magic zone: dusty flour, egg wash, and a wild mixture of panko, Parmesan, and Italian herbs that’ll make the chicken irresistibly crunchy.

• Stovetop Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a skillet and lovingly coat each chicken piece through the flour, egg, and breadcrumb adventure. Sear until a beautiful golden brown emerges.

• Final Bake

Transfer the skillet directly into the hot oven, letting the chicken finish cooking and reach that perfect 165°F sweet spot. In just minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal that’ll make everyone swoon.

Pro Tips for Parmesan Crusted Chicken Success

• Chicken Selection Savvy: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts with uniform thickness for even cooking and the best texture. Organic or free-range chickens often provide richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Crispy Coating Tricks: Crush the panko breadcrumbs slightly finer for an extra crunchy exterior. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure a thick, delectable coating that won't fall off during cooking.
• Flavor Boost Techniques: Experiment with different hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for subtle taste variations. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick of heat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken up to the dredging stage earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking. This method helps lock in moisture and allows for quicker meal preparation.
• Leftover Love: Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain the crispy coating and prevent drying out.

Serving Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ideas

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this golden, crispy Parmesan chicken alongside a vibrant mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, creating a balanced and elegant meal that will impress your guests.
• Mediterranean Feast: Pair the chicken with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and herbs, for a colorful and nutritious plate that transports you to sunny coastlines.
• Comfort Plate Combo: Accompany the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic parmesan risotto, allowing the crispy chicken to be the star while complementing its texture with smooth, rich sides that offer delightful contrast.
• Rustic Italian Experience: Create a restaurant-style presentation by serving the chicken over a bed of light marinara sauce, sprinkled with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan, giving the dish an authentic Italian touch that feels homemade and sophisticated.

How to Store Parmesan Crusted Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerator Readiness: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze uncooked breaded chicken between sheets of parchment paper for easy separation. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh for optimal crispiness.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Revive cold chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore its crispy exterior. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy and tough.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra chicken during cooking to use in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes throughout the week. Slice cold chicken thinly for a protein-packed lunch option that saves time and reduces daily cooking efforts.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken delivers a crispy golden masterpiece that elevates weeknight dinners with Italian-inspired flair. Juicy chicken breasts coated in seasoned parmesan create a delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts (large)
• 2 eggs
• ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 tbsps (44 mL) olive oil, divided
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ heaping tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack on upper third level and calibrate temperature to 400°F for optimal heat distribution and crispy result.
2. Chicken Processing: Slice chicken breasts horizontally into four thin, uniform cutlets. Pat meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring perfect coating adhesion.
3. Seasoning Technique: Generously season chicken cutlets with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to elevate natural meat flavors and create a robust taste profile.
4. Coating Station Setup: Arrange three distinct preparation zones – flour station for initial dusting, whisked egg mixture for binding, and a seasoned breadcrumb mixture combining panko, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs for ultimate crunch.
5. Searing and Coating: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Meticulously coat each chicken piece by dredging in flour, dipping in egg wash, and thoroughly covering with seasoned breadcrumb mixture to create a crisp, flavorful exterior.
6. Cooking Process: Brown coated cutlets until golden and caramelized, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Replenish olive oil as needed to maintain consistent cooking and prevent sticking.
7. Finishing Touch: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and cook for 5 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, resulting in a perfectly crisp, juicy chicken cutlet.

Notes

• Precise Oven Positioning: Place rack on upper third level for even heat distribution and perfectly golden chicken exterior.
• Moisture Removal Technique: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy, non-soggy breading that adheres perfectly.
• Strategic Coating Sequence: Follow three-step breading process – flour, egg wash, seasoned breadcrumbs – for maximum flavor and crunchy texture.
• Temperature Safety Check: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing both delicious and safe meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 180mg