Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With a golden, cheesy crust and juicy, tender chicken inside, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings create a crunchy coating that locks in moisture while adding nutty, savory notes. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe proves you don’t need complicated steps to create an impressive, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy, and Flavorful
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, golden chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, pan-seared to perfection for a delicious and easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Set up dredging station: flour in one bowl, eggs whisked with milk in another, and Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat with Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Transfer to a plate, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes after pan-searing.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – The main protein, tender and juicy when cooked correctly.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated, it adds rich flavor and helps form a golden crust.
Breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style) – Create the crispy coating.
All-purpose flour – Helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
Eggs – Bind the breadcrumb mixture to the chicken.
Garlic powder – Infuses subtle savory depth.
Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Olive oil or butter – Used for pan-frying, adding flavor and crispiness.
Fresh parsley – A garnish that brightens the final dish.
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and finish in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes 15 minutes, pan-frying requires about 10 minutes, and baking adds 20 minutes. Total time: around 40–45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can soften the crust.
Variations and Customizations
Herb-crusted – Add Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix.
Cheesy upgrade – Mix mozzarella or provolone into the coating for extra gooeyness.
Spicy version – Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Gluten-free – Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Air fryer method – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Lemon zest – Add zest to the coating for fresh citrus brightness.
Stuffed version – Fill chicken with spinach and cheese before breading.
Low-carb option – Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay juicy and work just as well.
Do I need to bake the chicken after pan-frying?
Yes, baking ensures the chicken cooks through without burning the crust.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Can I air fry instead of frying and baking?
Yes, air frying gives a crispy crust with less oil.
What sides go well with Parmesan crusted chicken?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
How do I keep the crust from falling off?
Press the coating firmly onto the chicken and avoid flipping too often.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a foolproof way to create a crispy, golden crust with juicy chicken inside. With its rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch, it’s a versatile dish that works for both casual weeknights and special dinners. Easy to customize, family-friendly, and always delicious, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.