Sink your teeth into the irresistible crunch of Parmesan Crusted Chicken—a dish that manages to be impressively elegant yet a breeze to pull together on a hectic weeknight. This golden, juicy chicken gets its signature crisp from a savory blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs, cloaking every bite in the kind of deep, savory flavor everyone at the table will rave about. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or hosting friends for dinner, Parmesan Crusted Chicken is always a guaranteed hit you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in its simplicity—just a handful of well-chosen ingredients come together to make a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each component brings something unique, so don’t skip any of these essentials!
- Chicken breasts (4 boneless, skinless): Go for even thickness to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy results.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): This provides that iconic cheesy crust and a lovely nutty flavor.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These add seasoning and crunch, plus help the cheese stick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle depth and enhances the savoriness of the coating.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a pretty golden color to the crust.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the cheese with a hint of sharpness.
- Eggs, beaten (2): The key to making the crust stick firmly to your chicken.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Drizzled on top for extra crispiness and gorgeous color.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A sprinkle for brightness and a fresh finish.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Before you get started, crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or, for easy clean-up, line it with parchment paper. This small step prevents sticking and helps get that crisp, golden exterior everyone loves in Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Step 2: Pound the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This extra minute of prep is crucial—it ensures each piece cooks through at the same rate and stays moist from edge to edge.
Step 3: Mix the Parmesan Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every bite of chicken will be seasoned and delicious. This mixture forms the irresistible outside of your Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Step 4: Dredge and Coat the Chicken
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. One at a time, dip each chicken breast into the eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, press the chicken into the Parmesan mixture, turning to get a thick, even crust. Press it on well—the more you pack on now, the crispier your chicken will turn out.
Step 5: Arrange and Drizzle
Line the coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet. Give each piece a generous drizzle of olive oil—this helps form the perfect crispy crust and gives the Parmesan Crusted Chicken a beautiful golden hue.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (the safe temperature is 165°F). For extra crunch, broil the last 2–3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll know the chicken is done when the coating is deeply golden and crisp.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken piping hot, and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
A simple shower of freshly chopped parsley lends a bright color and a subtle fresh flavor that balances the rich crust. If you want extra flair, try a spritz of fresh lemon juice or a few ribbons of shaved Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, bright steamed green beans, or a zesty Caesar salad. For something lighter, a crisp arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemony vinaigrette is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and fan it over pasta tossed with a garlic cream sauce, or tuck pieces into a fresh ciabatta roll with arugula and aioli for a gourmet sandwich. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is also fantastic sliced and served atop leafy salads for a protein-packed lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let the chicken cool fully before storing to preserve its crispy coating as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken for up to two months. Wrap each cooked breast tightly in foil, then place them into a freezer bag. To keep the crust crisp, avoid stacking and use parchment paper between layers.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your chicken in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes, until hot and crispy. The microwave works in a pinch but will sacrifice some crispiness, so oven reheating is best for restoring that delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Parmesan Crusted Chicken—they stay juicy and take on the crust just as well as breasts. Adjust cooking time as thighs may cook a little quicker.
What if I don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs?
No problem! Use regular breadcrumbs and mix in a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried herbs. Panko can also be a great substitute for an extra-crunchy Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Swap out the breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety, and you can enjoy Parmesan Crusted Chicken without any gluten concerns.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
The key is to thoroughly coat the chicken in beaten egg and really press the Parmesan mixture onto each piece. Letting the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before baking also helps the crust adhere better.
Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry at 375°F for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get a wonderfully golden and crispy crust—even quicker than baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting and crowd-pleasing, do yourself a favor and try this Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It always turns out golden, juicy, and packed with flavor—no special skills or fancy ingredients needed. Give it a go, and I just know it’ll become a new favorite at your table.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare juicy chicken breasts with a crispy coating of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Pound the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Mix coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Beat eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- This recipe also works well in an air fryer at 375°F for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
