Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken combines simplicity with sophistication. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare — no deep frying required, just a quick pan sear and a short bake for perfect crispness. The Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also helps the crust turn beautifully golden and crisp. The result is chicken that’s tender inside and irresistibly crunchy on the outside. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works with any side dish, and it’s a fantastic alternative to traditional fried chicken. Plus, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it a go-to recipe for any night of the week.
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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Golden Perfection with Every Bite
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a golden, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. It’s quick to make, deliciously crunchy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or panko)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter if desired for extra flavor.
- Cook chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges or a side of vegetables or salad.
Notes
- Bake instead of fry: place coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and crispiness.
- This recipe pairs well with marinara sauce, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds that signature nutty flavor and forms a crisp, golden crust when combined with breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Eggs: Help the coating adhere to the chicken and add a light richness to the crust.
Flour: Creates a base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick properly.
Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle savory notes that elevate the chicken’s flavor.
Paprika: Adds a hint of color and a mild smoky taste that complements the Parmesan.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the coating.
Olive Oil: Used for pan-searing to achieve a crisp, golden finish without deep frying.
Lemon Wedges: Optional, but squeezing fresh lemon over the chicken before serving adds brightness and freshness.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it evenly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press lightly to ensure the crust sticks well.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, zesty touch.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. It’s ideal for quick family dinners, meal prep, or even as the protein for sandwiches or salads.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, warm the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months — just reheat in the oven until hot and crisp.
Variations and Customizations
Herb Infusion: Mix dried Italian herbs or chopped fresh parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for an herby flavor.
Spicy Crust: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the coating for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Upgrade: Combine Parmesan with shredded mozzarella for a richer, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for an ultra-crispy result.
Garlic Butter Finish: Brush the cooked chicken with melted garlic butter before serving for extra richness.
Lemon-Parmesan Twist: Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Healthy Version: Skip the pan-sear and bake directly in the oven for a lighter meal.
Pesto Crusted Chicken: Mix a spoonful of pesto into the egg mixture for a burst of basil flavor.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Use the chicken as a base for a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and aioli.
FAQs
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Pound it evenly and avoid overbaking — the thinner pieces cook faster and stay tender.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and offer extra juiciness.
Can I make it without eggs?
You can substitute eggs with buttermilk or a mixture of milk and Dijon mustard.
What can I serve with Parmesan crusted chicken?
It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Can I bake it without pan-searing?
Yes, but the crust will be slightly less crisp. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
How can I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry before dredging and press the coating firmly to help it adhere.
Is it better to use fresh or grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better flavor and crisp texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze the breaded chicken before cooking?
Absolutely — freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the time.
How do I keep it crispy when reheating?
Use the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to retain crunchiness.
Conclusion
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The crunchy golden crust, paired with the juicy, flavorful meat, makes this recipe a guaranteed favorite. It’s versatile, quick, and utterly satisfying — perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a meal that feels indulgent without the effort. Once you try this, it’s sure to become a go-to classic in your kitchen.
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