The Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crispy, golden parmesan crusted chicken promises a delightful dinner adventure that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Perfectly seasoned breasts create a mouthwatering main course everyone craves.

Cheese lovers understand the magic of a crunchy coating that seals in juicy chicken flavors.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in minutes.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that melts beautifully in your mouth.

Kitchen novices and experienced cooks alike can nail this foolproof recipe with confidence.

Let’s transform an ordinary weeknight meal into something spectacular that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Parmesan Crusted Chicken So Tasty

• Unlock Effortless Cooking: Whip up this delicious Parmesan crusted chicken with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Quick Family Meal Solution: Prepare a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies everyone's taste buds in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Crispy Texture Delight: Enjoy a mouthwatering golden-brown exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, creating a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Versatile Dinner Star: Serve this chicken alongside salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal that adapts to your family's preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes In Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender white meat perfect for a crispy coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that creates a delicious crust.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
• Large Eggs: Binds the breadcrumbs and helps create a crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy golden coating for the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides.

Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumb mixture (panko, grated Parmesan, dried herbs)

Dunk each chicken breast first into flour, shaking off excess.

Next, dive into the egg wash, then roll generously in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until completely covered.

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook

Grab a large skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Add a splash of olive oil and a pat of butter, letting them mingle and create a golden cooking surface.

Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side until it transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crust with a crispy exterior.

This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side.

The chicken should develop a beautiful, crunchy texture that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Slice and serve immediately, perhaps with a fresh lemon wedge or your favorite side dish.

Pro Cooking Tips For Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Use all-purpose flour for a light, even coating that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the chicken.
• Whisk eggs thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent mixture that ensures a uniform breading on each chicken breast.
• Mix grated parmesan directly into breadcrumbs for extra flavor and a crispier, more golden crust that browns beautifully.
• Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent tough meat.
• Use a combination of olive oil and butter for maximum flavor and a perfectly crisp, golden exterior.

How To Store And Heat Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to turn and ensure even heating.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to maintain moisture and preserve the crispy parmesan crust's texture.

Best Sides For Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Boost Savory Flavors: Pair the crispy Parmesan chicken with a bright, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and complement the cheese's salty notes.
• Create Herbal Harmony: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, zesty contrast that balances the golden, crunchy chicken.
• Elevate Comfort Sides: Match with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or buttery asparagus spears to enhance the meal's creamy, satisfying texture and provide a smooth accompaniment to the crisp chicken coating.
• Complete the Plate: Add a dollop of marinara or herb-infused aioli as a dipping sauce to introduce an extra layer of tangy flavor that brightens the entire dish.

Variants For Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, using grated Parmesan as the primary coating to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor, and use plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of dairy butter.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture to add extra flavor complexity to the chicken coating.

FAQs

• What makes the parmesan crust crispy and flavorful?

The combination of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese creates a golden, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and adds a rich, savory taste to the chicken.

• Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese from a container?

Fresh grated parmesan works best for maximum flavor and better coating adherence. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the crust less crispy.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and juicy on the inside, with no pink areas.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a similar crispy coating that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken delivers a crispy, golden masterpiece of Italian-inspired comfort. Cheese-coated perfection meets lean protein, creating a delightful main course you’ll crave with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking/Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
2. Thoroughly pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Create a robust flavor foundation by generously seasoning chicken with freshly ground salt and cracked black pepper.
4. Establish three distinct preparation stations: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with seasoned parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
5. Delicately transfer each chicken breast through the coating sequence – first dredging in flour to create a protective base, then submerging in beaten eggs, and finally enrobing with the parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
6. Ensure complete and even coating, gently pressing breadcrumbs to help them adhere securely to the chicken’s surface.
7. Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet with a harmonious blend of olive oil and butter, creating a perfect golden-brown cooking environment.
8. Carefully place coated chicken breasts into the heated skillet, allowing each piece to develop a crisp, golden exterior.
9. Cook chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, monitoring heat to prevent burning while achieving a perfectly crisp crust and juicy interior.
10. Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and crispy coating.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting properties in the coating mixture.
• Lower heat slightly if chicken browns too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring the inside cooks thoroughly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg