This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a winner! It features tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, making every bite so enjoyable.
You’ll love the golden crust that adds a nice crunch, while the juicy chicken inside keeps it flavorful. I like to serve it with a side salad—it’s the perfect match!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for an easy-to-eat meal. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, you can use chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor and a nice crust. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or even a mix of mozzarella and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs give flavor and texture, but panko breadcrumbs can provide even more crispiness. You can also make your own breadcrumbs using day-old bread if that’s what you have.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning are optional but enhance the taste. Feel free to add your preferred herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
How to Get that Perfect Crispy Coating?
Achieving a crispy coating is key to this recipe. Here are the steps to ensure it’s just right:
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly and the crust can get nice and crispy.
- Make sure to fully coat the chicken in flour first—this helps the egg and breading stick better.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture into the chicken well. This maximizes the crispy texture when you fry it.
- Don’t rush cooking in the pan! Cook on medium heat to let the crust develop without burning while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
By following these tips, your chicken will come out perfectly crispy and delicious! Enjoy your cooking!
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for pan-frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, along with an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have this delicious Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken ready in just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps ensure that your chicken will cook perfectly once it’s ready for baking.
2. Prep the Chicken:
Next, take the chicken breasts and carefully slice each one in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides of the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Breading Stations:
Now, get three shallow dishes ready for the breading process. In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, crack and beat the eggs until slightly frothy. Finally, in the third dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
It’s time to coat the chicken! Take each cutlet and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s well-coated. Finally, coat it in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks well. Repeat this process until all the chicken cutlets are breaded.
5. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or melted butter over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets in the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy.
6. Bake to Finish:
After frying, transfer the pan-fried chicken onto a baking sheet. Pop it in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, which will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked through.
7. Let It Rest:
When the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the juices inside, making every bite delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your crispy Parmesan crusted chicken hot! You can garnish it with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing. It pairs perfectly with sides like a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They are juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this crispy chicken gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds for the coating. It will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken cutlets a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before frying.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, try warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep the coating crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheating option!
