Get ready to elevate your dinner with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken — a crispy, golden delight that’s bursting with cheesy flavor and irresistible crunch. Tender chicken breasts are coated with a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, then baked or pan-fried to perfection. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, delivering restaurant-quality taste without the hassle. Paired with your favorite sides, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Crunchy, cheesy crust: A flavorful Parmesan coating that crisps up beautifully.
Juicy and tender chicken: Perfectly cooked inside with a satisfying outer crunch.
Easy to prepare: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Versatile meal: Pairs well with salads, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike for its familiar flavors.
Quick cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes for busy evenings.
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
A sprinkle of Parmesan mixed into breadcrumbs boosts cheesiness. For this Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They’re lean, easy to cook, and soak up flavors beautifully.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds that irresistible cheesy flavor and a delightful crunch. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works too.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs bring extra flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own from stale bread!
Eggs: These act as the glue, helping the coating stick to the chicken. They also add richness.
Garlic powder: A must for that aromatic kick. It’s a pantry staple that enhances the overall flavor.
Onion powder: This adds depth without the hassle of chopping onions. A little goes a long way!
Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that brings a touch of earthiness to the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste, but don’t skip them!
All-purpose flour: This helps create a nice crust. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Olive oil: For pan-frying, it adds flavor and helps achieve that golden brown crust.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness when garnished.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. If you want a vegetarian twist, thinly sliced eggplant can be a fantastic substitute for chicken. You’ll find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Each step is simple, and I’ll share some tips along the way to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy and delicious.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect, golden crust. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray with cooking oil. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s evenly blended. The seasoned breadcrumbs will give your chicken that irresistible crunch!
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Stations
Now, let’s set up your dredging stations. In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In another, beat the eggs until they’re well combined. This three-step process—flour, egg, and then the breadcrumb mixture—ensures a perfect coating. It’s like a little assembly line in your kitchen!
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. First, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well covered. Don’t be shy—really press it in for that crunchy texture!
Step 5: Pan-Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is key for developing that crispy crust. If you rush it, you might end up with soggy chicken, and nobody wants that!
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
After pan-frying, transfer the browned chicken to your prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy if you have one!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for Success
Always pat the chicken dry before dredging; it helps the coating stick better.
For extra crunch, consider double-coating the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Let the oil heat up before adding the chicken to achieve that golden crust.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture for unique flavors.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.
Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is ideal, but a regular one can work too.
Shallow dishes: Use pie plates or any flat dishes for dredging.
Meat thermometer: Optional, but it ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
Variations
Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery kick that will wake up your taste buds.
Herb-Infused Crust: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme with the breadcrumbs for a fragrant twist that enhances the Italian flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour for dredging.
Cheesy Variations: Incorporate shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy crust.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini, adjusting cooking times for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sides: Pair your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully.
Presentation: Serve on a colorful plate, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Parmesan Crusted Chicken
As you embark on your culinary adventure with Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights!
What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. The options are endless!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Parmesan Crusted Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch, slice it up, and store it in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating moments. The joy of watching your loved ones savor each bite, the laughter shared around the table, and the satisfaction of mastering a delicious recipe are priceless. This dish is a reminder that good food can bring people together, even on the busiest of nights. With its crispy exterior and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and enjoy the delicious rewards that come with every bite!
A delicious and crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until well combined. In a third dish, place the flour.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced eggplant for a vegetarian option, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
