This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is golden and crunchy on the outside, while juicy and tender on the inside. It’s perfect for those who love a cheesy twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook evenly. You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, just adjust the cooking time.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative, or try a blend of other hard cheeses like Grana Padano.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give that extra crunch! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will still work, but you might miss that crispy texture. You can also crush up some cornflakes for a fun twist.
Italian Seasoning: This is a great mix of flavors! If you don’t have it, use individual dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil – feel free to mix to your taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Crust?
Achieving a golden, crispy crust is all about the technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Use three bowls for the coating process: flour, eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture. This layering creates a thicker crust.
- When coating, press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This helps them stick better during cooking.
- Fry the chicken in hot oil for a quick golden crust before baking. This also seals in moisture!
- Finish in the oven to fully cook the chicken and keep it juicy while maintaining that crunch.
Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Dipping:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For Cooking:
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, giving you a delicious meal in about 40-45 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, take your chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness—about 1/2 inch thick is perfect. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Mixing the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it well so everything is evenly distributed.
3. Preparing the Dipping Station:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re nice and smooth. In a third bowl, place the flour. This will be your assembly line for coating the chicken.
4. Coating the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s coated well on both sides.
5. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Baking to Finish:
After browning, transfer the chicken to your prepared baking sheet and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
7. Serving:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges if you like that zesty kick!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Parmesan crusted chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely first. The best way to do this is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, follow the recipe as directed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Everything else can stay the same, and you’ll have a delicious meal!
What Should I Serve with Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even pasta for a hearty meal. A squeeze of lemon over the top adds a lovely brightness!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through to maintain the crispiness!
