Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken brings a delightful twist to your dinner routine that promises pure culinary magic.

Cheese lovers will instantly fall for this simple yet spectacular dish.

Weeknight meals need serious excitement, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Home cooks can easily master the technique of creating a golden, crunchy exterior that seals in juicy chicken goodness.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce an impressive plate that looks like something from a gourmet restaurant.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory parmesan and tender meat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to serve this crowd-pleasing chicken with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies every palate.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken That Impresses Every Time

• Boost Flavor Fast: Parmesan cheese transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, cheesy delight that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Simplify Cooking Technique: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious meal without complex preparation.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: This chicken dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, providing a satisfying meal that can be prepared in just a few quick steps and minimal cleanup.
• Family-Pleasing Protein: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy exterior and tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleasing option for picky eaters and food enthusiasts.

Must-Have Ingredients For Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of this crispy, cheesy dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and creates a golden crispy coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy texture and helps the cheese adhere to the chicken.

• Eggs: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and creates a binding layer.

• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat for cooking and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.

How To Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken To Perfection

Step 1: Tenderize The Chicken

Gently flatten each chicken breast using a meat mallet or rolling pin to create an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and ensures a tender result.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Mixture

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Dried herbs (optional like basil or oregano)
• Cracked black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful and crispy coating.

Step 3: Set Up Egg Wash

Crack fresh eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them until smooth and well blended.

This will help the Parmesan mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken.

Step 4: Dredge The Chicken

Dip each chicken breast first into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

Then carefully roll the chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.

Step 5: Sizzle In The Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

The oil should be hot but not smoking. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the pan.

Step 6: Cook To Golden Perfection

Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices. Plate and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Pro Secrets For Juicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Tenderize chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy coating.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better adherence to the chicken.
• Pat chicken dry before dipping in eggs to help breadcrumb mixture stick more effectively.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness and prevent crumbling.
• Choose panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness and lighter texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

Delicious Variations On Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground nuts to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor complexity.
• Baked Alternative: Instead of pan-frying, place coated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier preparation method.

Serving Parmesan Crusted Chicken For Any Occasion

• Crispy Date Night Delight: Serve this Parmesan-crusted chicken with a romantic candlelit dinner, paired with a glass of white wine and soft background music.
• Healthy Family Feast: Create a nutritious meal by adding a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts and a light quinoa salad for balanced nutrition.
• Gourmet Lunch Upgrade: Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken salad by slicing the crispy chicken over mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs.
• Picnic Perfect Protein: Pack sliced Parmesan chicken in a portable container for an outdoor lunch, complemented by cherry tomatoes and a zesty pasta salad.

Storing Parmesan Crusted Chicken Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate leftover Parmesan chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Store chicken pieces separately from any sides or sauces to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture.
• Label the container with the date of storage to track freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time since they might take slightly longer to cook through and have different thickness.

• Is it necessary to pound the chicken before coating?

Pounding helps create an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry or undercooked sections of the chicken.

• What type of breadcrumbs work best for this recipe?

Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs both work well. Panko breadcrumbs can also provide extra crispiness to the chicken coating.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. Alternative options include almond flour or gluten-free crackers as a coating.

Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken delivers a golden-brown delight packed with robust flavors. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a simple yet elegant meal that brings restaurant-quality dining directly to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning and Cooking:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

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Instructions

1. Gently tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking.
2. Create a savory coating by thoroughly blending grated Parmesan cheese with crisp breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate container until smooth and well-combined.
4. Immerse each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Carefully transfer egg-coated chicken into Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and even coverage.
6. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
7. Carefully place coated chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
8. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
9. Transfer chicken to a serving plate, allowing brief resting time to seal in juices.
10. Optional: Sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

• Pounding chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender meat that doesn’t dry out quickly.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better coating adhesion compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Gluten-free option works perfectly by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Lower the cooking heat slightly if chicken browns too quickly to prevent burning while maintaining a crispy exterior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg