The Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Crispy Bliss

Parmesan crusted chicken delivers a crispy, golden-brown experience that elevates ordinary poultry into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Cheese lovers appreciate how this technique elevates simple ingredients into something spectacular.

The delicate coating creates a remarkable crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender meat underneath.

Sophisticated yet surprisingly easy, this recipe brings professional-level cooking into home kitchens with minimal effort.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and mastering precise techniques.

Home cooks can achieve impressive results by following straightforward preparation methods that guarantee delicious outcomes.

The combination of nutty parmesan and perfectly seasoned breading promises a meal that will delight everyone at the table.

Tips to Get That Perfect Parmesan Crust

• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create even, thinner pieces that cook faster and remain juicier.
• Pat Perfectly: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry chicken, ensuring a crispier coating that adheres better and browns more evenly.
• Layer Lavishly: Press the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy crust that won't fall off during cooking.
• Temperature Triumph: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety.
• Oil Management: Choose a high-quality olive oil and maintain medium heat to prevent burning while achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Storing and Reheating Parmesan Chicken Made Easy

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Parmesan Crusted Chicken can last up to 3 months without losing its quality.
• Reheating: Restore crispiness by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy breading, which can ruin the delicious crunchy texture you worked hard to create.

Tasty Pairings for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, savory flavors of Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light, refreshing wines cut through the chicken's crispy coating and enhance its delicate taste.
• Create a Fresh Salad Side: Toss together a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and tangy dressing balance the chicken's creamy, cheesy crust perfectly.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts as a vibrant side dish. These vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and add a burst of color to the plate.
• Offer a Bright Citrus Sauce: Whip up a quick lemon-herb sauce using Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. This light, tangy condiment adds a fresh dimension to the rich, cheesy chicken.

Ways to Customize Your Parmesan Chicken

• Herby Mediterranean Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with a blend of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Add crumbled feta cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Mix chili powder and smoked paprika into the breadcrumb coating. Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar and add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. Serve with a zesty lime-cilantro sauce.
• Nutty Almond Crusted Chicken: Substitute panko with ground almonds for a protein-rich, gluten-free alternative. Incorporate dried herbs like basil and use almond meal in the coating for a crunchy, nutty exterior.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Zest fresh lemon into the breadcrumb mixture and add chopped fresh parsley. Include a touch of dried dill for brightness. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the citrusy notes.

Reasons to Try Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tonight

• Achieve Crispy Perfection: The combination of stovetop browning and oven baking creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that crackles with every bite, while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy inside.
• Flavor Explosion in Minutes: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal prep time, using simple pantry ingredients like Parmesan, panko, and basic seasonings to transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: The step-by-step dredging method ensures each chicken piece gets a consistent, golden-brown coating, making it nearly impossible to mess up even for novice home cooks.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families wanting a delicious dinner that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and appeals to both kids and adults with its crispy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Juicy and lean protein base for the dish, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth base layer for the breading, ensuring better adhesion of other ingredients.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, providing a rich golden color.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Lightweight and crispy coating that creates a crunchy exterior, Japanese-style breadcrumbs preferred.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create a golden, crispy crust with nutty undertones.

• Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb mix that brings Mediterranean-inspired herbal notes to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for pan-frying, adds richness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.

How to Prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Crunch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven dial to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slide the rack toward the top section of the oven for extra crispy results.

Step 2: Transform The Chicken

Slice chicken breasts horizontally into four slender portions. Use paper towels to blot away excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden exterior.

Step 3: Unleash The Flavor

• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings gently into the meat.

Step 4: Create Magical Coating Stations

Set up three shallow dishes:

First Dish: Flour for initial dusting

Second Dish: Whisked eggs to help coating stick

Third Dish: Crispy mixture combining

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian herb blend

Step 5: Sizzle On The Stovetop

• Dusting with flour
• Dunking in egg wash
• Rolling in breadcrumb mixture

Cook until edges turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Finish With Oven Magic

Transfer entire skillet into preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes until chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature.

Serving Tip: Let chicken rest for 3 minutes before slicing to lock in juiciness.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken brings Italian elegance to weeknight dinners with crispy golden coating and rich cheese flavor. Home cooks can quickly prepare this restaurant-quality dish that delivers maximum satisfaction in minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts

Seasonings and Cheese:

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Coating Ingredients:

• ¼ cup flour
• 2 eggs
• ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) olive oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature to 400°F, positioning the rack on the upper third level to optimize heat circulation and achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
2. Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating four uniform thin cutlets that will cook rapidly and consistently. Thoroughly blot the meat surfaces using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Generously season both surfaces of each chicken cutlet with aromatic garlic powder, complemented by salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
4. Establish three distinct preparation zones: first, a flour-filled vessel for initial coating; second, a bowl containing whisked eggs to promote ingredient adherence; third, a mixture combining crunchy panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and fragrant Italian seasoning.
5. Warm olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Methodically coat each chicken piece: first dust with flour, then immerse in egg mixture, and finally enrobe completely with the seasoned breadcrumb blend.
6. Sear the coated cutlets until they develop a rich, caramelized golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Replenish olive oil in the skillet if needed during cooking.
7. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to finish cooking for roughly 5 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F for optimal doneness and food safety.

Notes

• Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty punch while panko breadcrumbs create an irresistibly crunchy exterior that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds.
• Cooking in a skillet before finishing in the oven ensures perfectly golden, juicy chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg