Golden Parmesan Chicken Recipe

The Crispiest Golden Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Golden parmesan chicken enhances ordinary poultry into a crispy, irresistible masterpiece that elevates weeknight dinners.

Cheese enthusiasts appreciate the rich, savory coating that creates a delightful crunch with every bite.

Sophisticated yet simple, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to your kitchen.

Each golden-brown morsel promises a delectable blend of herbs and parmesan nutty intensity.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these tender chicken pieces come together with minimal preparation.

The magical combination of breadcrumbs and aged cheese ensures a consistently impressive result that delights family and guests.

Crisp textures and robust seasonings guarantee a meal everyone will request again and again.

Tips for a Perfect Parmesan Crust Every Time

  • Milk Magic: Soaking chicken in milk or buttermilk helps break down proteins, ensuring incredibly tender and juicy meat.
  • Seasoning Precision: Mix seasonings thoroughly in the mayonnaise to distribute flavors evenly across each chicken piece.
  • Cheese Coverage: Ensure a complete, even coating of parmesan by using a light sprinkling technique for consistent golden browning.
  • Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and perfect doneness.
  • Broiling Brilliance: Watch carefully during the final 1-2 minutes of broiling to achieve a crispy, golden top without burning.

Keeping Golden Parmesan Chicken Tasting Fresh

Store in Airtight Container: Transfer leftover chicken to a sealed container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerate Properly: Keep chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it’s stored at or below 40°F to preserve taste and texture.

Reheat Safely: Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What Complements Golden Parmesan Chicken Beautifully

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, savory chicken with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the creamy parmesan coating and refreshing the palate.
  • Create Veggie Harmony: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a light garden salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's golden, cheesy exterior and add bright, fresh notes.
  • Match with Starchy Sides: Choose creamy garlic mashed potatoes or herb-infused rice pilaf to soak up the delicious parmesan sauce and provide a smooth, comforting texture that enhances the main dish.
  • Add Zesty Condiment: Prepare a quick garlic aioli or herb-based dipping sauce to elevate the chicken's flavor profile and give diners an extra layer of taste excitement.

Parmesan Chicken Twists You’ll Want to Try

  • Zesty Mediterranean Chicken: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add oregano, lemon zest, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese before baking for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Mix in chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, and replace half the parmesan with sharp cheddar. Top with chopped cilantro after baking for a kick of southwestern flavor.
  • Herb Garden Chicken: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil into the coating mixture. Use herb-infused olive oil instead of mayonnaise for an aromatic herb-rich alternative.
  • Nutty Parmesan Crunch: Add crushed almonds or panko breadcrumbs to the cheese coating for extra texture and a golden crispy exterior.

Why Golden Parmesan Chicken Is a Crispy Classic

  • Effortless Flavor Explosion: This recipe transforms simple chicken into a mouthwatering dish with minimal prep, delivering maximum taste through a creamy parmesan coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
  • Tender and Juicy Technique: Soaking chicken in milk or buttermilk guarantees incredibly moist meat, breaking down proteins to create a supremely soft texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal without complicated cooking steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The golden, cheesy crust appeals to both kids and adults, while the simple seasoning allows for easy customization with additional herbs or spices to suit different taste preferences.

What Goes Into Golden Parmesan Chicken Goodness

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless cuts provide lean protein, trimmed for a clean and neat presentation.
Binding and Flavor Agents:
  • Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that helps coat chicken and creates a rich, tangy moisture.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Sharp Cheddar, Asiago: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create a golden crispy crust.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Seasoning Salt: Provides balanced saltiness and depth of flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances overall seasoning profile.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers a mild, aromatic garlic note without raw garlic intensity.

How to Cook Golden Parmesan Chicken Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

  • Slice each chicken breast into large chunks or strips
  • Place chicken in a bowl and cover with milk or buttermilk
  • Let soak for 20-30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for maximum tenderness

Step 2: Preheat Cooking Station

  • Turn oven to 375°F (190°C)
  • Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

Gather these ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Seasoning salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well combined

Step 4: Dress the Chicken

  • Transfer soaked chicken pieces to baking dish
  • Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly over each piece
  • Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese on top

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

  • Place dish in preheated oven
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes
  • Check chicken is fully cooked and turns golden brown
  • Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispy top

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

  • Remove chicken from oven
  • Serve with steamed broccoli
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish
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Golden Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Golden Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful golden parmesan chicken brings crispy, herb-crusted perfection to dinner tables with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. Cheese-coated chicken breasts deliver a mouthwatering main course that promises comfort and satisfaction in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat

Cheese:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) parmesan cheese (or sharp Cheddar, or Asiago), divided

Seasoning and Binding:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into generously sized strips or chunks, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
  2. Submerge the chicken pieces in a milk bath, allowing them to marinate and tenderize for a minimum of 20 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Heat the oven to a precise 375°F, creating an optimal roasting environment for the chicken.
  4. Craft a creamy coating by whisking together mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic garlic powder until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Arrange the milk-soaked chicken pieces in a spacious 9×13 baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  6. Lavishly spread the prepared mayonnaise mixture over each chicken piece, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  7. Generously dust the top of the coated chicken with the remaining parmesan cheese, creating a golden, crispy exterior.
  8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a perfect golden-brown hue and is thoroughly cooked.
  9. For an extra layer of crispiness, activate the broiler and allow the chicken to develop a delectable caramelized top for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Plate the golden parmesan chicken alongside vibrant steamed broccoli, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and herbal complexity.

Notes

  • Overnight milk soak transforms chicken into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that elevate the entire dish’s texture and flavor profile.
  • Parmesan cheese creates a golden, crispy exterior while locking in moisture, delivering a restaurant-quality presentation right from your home kitchen.
  • Versatile recipe allows quick customization with additional herbs or spices.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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