Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: Crispy Golden Perfection

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken promises a delightful twist on classic dinner fare that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Golden breadcrumbs and fragrant cheese create an irresistible exterior that locks in juicy meat.

Weeknight meals never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

Home cooks can master this simple technique with just a few pantry staples.

Strategic layering of ingredients ensures maximum flavor in every single bite.

Cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing dish.

You won’t believe how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Why Parmesan Crusted Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite

• Simplify Kitchen Mastery: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required, making even novice cooks feel like culinary pros.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes that guarantees smiles from family and friends, perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Crispy Texture Triumph: Enjoy a satisfying crunch from the Parmesan and Panko breadcrumb coating that elevates the standard chicken breast into a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Pair this chicken with various sides like roasted vegetables, salads, or pasta, making it an adaptable recipe for different meal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: High-quality protein source that serves as the primary component of this dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy, golden-brown coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a light and crunchy texture to the chicken's exterior.

• All-Purpose Flour, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a flavorful and seasoned base layer for the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the coating adhere to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Enables even cooking and helps achieve a golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

Step-by-Step Parmesan Crusted Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Three Magical Coating Stations

• All-purpose flour
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients until they become a perfectly blended flavor base.

Your second dish will hold beaten eggs, and the third dish will combine grated Parmesan cheese with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Dress Your Chicken in Flavor Armor

Take each chicken breast on a delicious journey through your coating stations.

First, give the chicken a light flour bath, ensuring every inch is lightly dusted. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip away.

Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, creating a crispy, golden armor that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Sizzle to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

When the oil is shimmering and ready, gently place your coated chicken breasts into the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop.

The chicken should turn a gorgeous crispy color that promises incredible flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling chicken to a plate, letting it rest for a moment.

The crispy Parmesan crust will be irresistibly crunchy, with a tender and juicy interior that screams comfort food. Pair with your favorite sides and get ready for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Expert Tips for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crispy chicken dish.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before coating to help breading adhere perfectly and create an extra-crunchy exterior.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for more intense flavor, grating it directly from a block for maximum taste and texture.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy results, using a meat thermometer for precise cooking.
• Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to lock in moisture and maintain its delicious crispy coating.

Flavorful Variations of Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch Chicken: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free Panko for coating to maintain crispy texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Herb Chicken: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Add extra herbs like rosemary and thyme for enhanced flavor profile without increasing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Cajun Parmesan Chicken: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the Parmesan coating. Include red pepper flakes for additional heat and zesty kick that transforms the original recipe.

Pairings That Go Well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Select a light, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the Parmesan-crusted chicken, creating a refreshing balance on the palate.
• Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to echo the cheese flavor and provide a bright, tangy contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Prepare a colorful side of roasted asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini with garlic and olive oil to add nutrition and depth to the meal, while maintaining the dish's Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Storage Guidelines for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Seal cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap before placing inside the container to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Wrap each chicken piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Parmesan crusted chicken can last up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Just ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might require a few extra minutes.

• Is it necessary to use Panko breadcrumbs?

While traditional breadcrumbs work, Panko provides a crispier texture. If you don’t have Panko, regular breadcrumbs are a perfectly acceptable alternative.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be white with no pink areas.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken blends Italian flavors with crispy texture for a delightful dinner experience. Cheese-coated chicken offers a golden, crunchy exterior that will make diners crave more.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning (authentic)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (fine)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 eggs (large, thoroughly beaten)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (high-quality)

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Instructions

1. Assemble three shallow vessels for creating a multi-layered coating station. In the initial container, thoroughly blend flour with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a uniform dry mixture.
2. Position beaten eggs in the second container and mix Parmesan cheese with Panko breadcrumbs in the third container, ensuring comprehensive integration of ingredients.
3. Carefully dredge each chicken breast first in seasoned flour, completely covering the surface with a thin, even layer.
4. Transfer flour-coated chicken into beaten eggs, allowing excess liquid to gracefully cascade off the protein.
5. Gently press chicken into Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring comprehensive and consistent coverage on all exterior surfaces.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
7. Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Transfer chicken to a clean serving platter, allowing minimal resting time before presenting the crispy, savory dish.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness by gently pounding breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent, quick cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better adhesion to chicken coating.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breading stick more effectively and create crispier exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding skillet to maintain consistent oil temperature and achieve perfect golden-brown crust.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg