Are you craving a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make chicken dish that will impress everyone at your table? Look no further! This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. With its savory Parmesan cheese crust and tender, juicy chicken inside, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Keep reading to discover how you can prepare this delicious recipe step by step, including tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a popular dish that involves coating chicken breasts in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings before frying or baking them to a golden, crispy perfection. The crust adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken, making it a favorite for both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients List for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make the best Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying, if using)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko for extra crunch, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if you're catering to dietary restrictions.
- Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Baking instead of frying: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. The result will be a little less crispy, but still delicious!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken is simple and straightforward, and you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s how to make it:
How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. - Set Up Your Breading Station
Create a simple breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Bread the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast in flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, covering both sides thoroughly. - Cook the Chicken
You can choose to either fry or bake the chicken:- Frying Method: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the breaded chicken on the sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to ensure it remains juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the pounding step: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, they won’t cook evenly. Make sure to flatten them for the best results.
- Overcrowding the pan: If you’re frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will cause the chicken to steam instead of getting crispy.
- Not letting the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps lock in the juices and ensures a moist, flavorful result.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan works best in this recipe because it has better texture and melts more evenly than pre-grated cheese.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A beautifully plated dish makes all the difference when serving your Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Here are some ideas for how to serve and present your dish for maximum impact.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- With a Side Salad: Serve the chicken with a light arugula or spinach salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the crust.
- Over Pasta: Place the chicken over a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti tossed in garlic butter or marinara sauce for a heartier meal.
- With Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make for a healthy and colorful side dish.
- On a Sandwich: For a twist, turn your Parmesan Crusted Chicken into a sandwich with ciabatta bread, lettuce, tomato, and a spread of mayonnaise or pesto.
Presentation Ideas for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Slice Before Serving: For a more refined presentation, slice the chicken breasts into strips before serving. This not only looks elegant but also allows guests to easily pick their portion.
- Garnish with Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Add a touch of sweetness and acidity by drizzling balsamic glaze over the chicken and any sides.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-packaged cheese may not melt as nicely or offer the same bold taste.
- Monitor the oil temperature when frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn before it's fully cooked; if it’s too cool, the crust will become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw before frying or baking.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe, but keep in mind they might take a bit longer to cook through because of their thickness.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
A: To keep the crust crispy, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving it, which can make it soggy.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a surefire way to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort. With its crispy, cheesy crust and tender, juicy chicken inside, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor. So why wait? Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!
PrintParmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features crispy chicken coated with a blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep, this dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crunchy crust. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it's sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast in the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer chicken to the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve hot with a side of your choice.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier option.
- Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
Leave a Reply