This parmesan crusted chicken is a quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavor. The crispy parmesan coating gives each bite a delicious crunch while the chicken stays juicy and tender. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a busy weeknight dinner to a special meal.
Why We Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This parmesan crusted chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and tender. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Here’s why we love it:
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients like parmesan, breadcrumbs, and chicken, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s from a fancy restaurant.
- Crispy & Tender: The parmesan crust gets beautifully golden and crunchy, while the chicken inside remains juicy and tender. It’s the perfect texture contrast in every bite.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving it with a side salad, pasta, or roasted veggies, this dish pairs wonderfully with just about anything.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe doesn’t require a lot of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy coating makes it a hit with kids, so it’s a great option for family meals.
This recipe combines simplicity with flavor, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens!
Ingredients for parmesan crusted chicken
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless for even cooking and juiciness.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best flavor and crispy crust.
Breadcrumbs – Use panko for a lighter crunch or regular for a firmer crust.
Eggs – Helps the coating stick to the chicken properly.
Garlic powder – Adds a mild garlic flavor to the crust.
Onion powder – Gives a slight sweetness and extra flavor.
Salt and pepper – Enhances overall taste; adjust as needed.
Olive oil – Used for frying to create a golden, crispy crust.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your parmesan crusted chicken:
Prep the chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispy finish. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten. In another shallow dish, combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, making sure the coating sticks well to both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You can check doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of this parmesan crusted chicken—simple, delicious, and full of flavor!
Pro Tips for parmesan crusted chicken
To make sure your parmesan crusted chicken turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
Pound the chicken: For even cooking, consider gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and ensures a juicy interior.
Use fresh breadcrumbs: While store-bought breadcrumbs work fine, using fresh breadcrumbs gives the crust a better texture and flavor. You can easily make them by pulsing stale bread in a food processor.
Don’t skip the egg wash: The egg creates a binding layer for the parmesan and breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the chicken well in the egg before dredging it in the breadcrumbs to ensure the crust sticks perfectly.
Cook in batches: If you’re making a large batch, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches ensures the chicken gets that crispy, golden crust on all sides without steaming.
Finish in the oven (optional): If you prefer an even crispier crust, after browning the chicken in the skillet, you can transfer it to a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) for 5-7 minutes to cook through without drying out.
Rest the chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
These tips will help you achieve a beautifully crispy, golden crust while ensuring your parmesan-crusted chicken stays perfectly juicy on the inside.
Variations
Looking to switch things up or add your own twist to this parmesan crusted chicken? Here are a few variations you can try to customize the recipe to your liking:
Add herbs: Boost the flavor by mixing fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil into the breadcrumb mixture. This adds a burst of freshness to the crust and enhances the savory notes of the chicken.
Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or paprika to the breadcrumb mix. This will give your chicken a mild kick, perfect for those who love a little spice.
Lemon zest: For a refreshing citrus twist, try adding some lemon zest to the breadcrumbs. The brightness of the lemon will complement the richness of the parmesan, creating a balanced flavor.
Cheese variations: While parmesan is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for gooey insides or asiago for a more robust, tangy flavor. Mixing two types of cheese can also create a deliciously complex crust.
Serving Suggestions for parmesan crusted chicken
This parmesan crusted chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas to complete your meal:
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. The crispy, savory chicken pairs perfectly with the tender, caramelized flavors of roasted veggies.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting meal, garlic mashed potatoes are a great choice. The creamy texture balances out the crispiness of the chicken, creating a satisfying combination.
Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing complements the rich flavor of the chicken. The lightness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf made with herbs and a touch of lemon is another great side dish. The fluffy rice absorbs the juices from the chicken, making every bite delicious.
Pasta: For a heartier meal, pair this chicken with your favorite pasta. Whether it’s a light spaghetti aglio e olio or a creamy alfredo pasta, the possibilities are endless!
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FAQs about parmesan crusted chicken
What is parmesan crusted chicken made of?
Parmesan-crusted chicken is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a crispy mixture of parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. It’s then pan-fried or baked to golden perfection.
How do you keep the crust from falling off?
To keep the crust from falling off, press the coating firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before cooking. Using an egg wash helps bind the coating, and cooking over medium heat ensures an even, crispy crust.
Can I bake parmesan-crusted chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Using a wire rack on a baking sheet helps keep the coating crispy.
parmesan crusted chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Prepare the coating: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten. In another shallow dish, combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press the chicken into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, making sure it sticks well to both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.