This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a perfect dish to serve with pasta, a side salad, or roasted vegetables!

In this blog, I’ve shared a lot of chicken recipes, but I’ve never tried making a Parmesan Crusted Chicken with such a crispy, cheesy coating. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a perfectly golden crust that’s packed with flavor.

I made it with simple ingredients like Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings. And when it comes time to bake, you can enjoy every step of the process, watching the crust turn golden and crispy.

You are going to love this Parmesan Crusted Chicken because it’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare. The combination of Parmesan and breadcrumbs creates a savory, crunchy coating, while the chicken remains tender and juicy inside. It’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

I love to pair this with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, but you can try it with pasta, a fresh salad, or even rice. No matter what you serve it with, this crispy chicken will be the star of the meal!

Why will you like this Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

You’ll like this Parmesan Crusted Chicken because it’s a perfect combination of crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy chicken. The Parmesan gives the coating a savory, cheesy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the subtle seasonings. Whether you fry it or bake it, the crust stays crunchy while the chicken inside remains moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Equipment you’ll need

• Shallow Dish or Plate
• Beating Bowl
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Tongs or Fork
• Measuring Spoons
• Meat Thermometer
• Serving Plate

How to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Step 1:

In a shallow dish, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2:

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, coating it completely, then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.

Step 3:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 4:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Additional Tips

Here are some creative tips for making Parmesan-crusted chicken great:

• Add Herbs: Mix fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the coating for a spicy twist.
• Cheese Blend: Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella or pecorino for a cheesier crust.
• Mustard Base: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken before coating it for added tanginess.
• Crunch Boost: Substitute half the breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or crackers for extra crunch.
• Baking Option: Bake the chicken on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier, evenly crispy alternative.

What to serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

You can serve Parmesan-crusted chicken with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. A classic pairing is pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, with either marinara or Alfredo sauce.

If you’re looking for something lighter, roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini are great choices, adding color and healthy goodness. For a comforting touch, garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy rice pilaf will complement the crispy chicken perfectly.

You can also add a refreshing Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing to balance the richness of the chicken. If you prefer something simple and savory, steamed asparagus or green beans make an excellent side.

For a fun addition, serve the meal with garlic bread, which is perfect for dipping into the sauce or enjoying it on its own. These sides will enhance the flavors of your Parmesan Crusted Chicken and make for a satisfying dinner!

How to store the leftovers?

To store leftover Parmesan-crusted chicken, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure the container is sealed tightly to keep the chicken fresh.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for the best texture and taste.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor.

• Garlic Herb Parmesan Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the breadcrumbs for a savory, herb-infused crust.

• Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb coating for a little heat and a spicy twist.

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mozzarella: Top the crusted chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

• Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will be slightly juicier, but the recipe works well with both cuts.

Can I bake the Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying it?

• Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack for a healthier option. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for a smoother, richer coating, but pre-grated Parmesan can be used if needed.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

• Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but Panko gives the crust a crispier, lighter texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I add other spices to the coating?

• Yes, you can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even Italian seasoning to customize the flavor of the crust.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a perfect dish to serve with pasta, a side salad, or roasted vegetables!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Directions

• In a shallow dish, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, coating it completely, then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Notes

• Mix fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.