The Most Flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken brings irresistible comfort to weeknight dinners with its golden, crunchy exterior.

Every home cook craves simple recipes that deliver maximum flavor.

Minimal ingredients transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Cheese creates a magical coating that seals in moisture and adds rich, savory notes.

Quick preparation means you can have dinner ready in under thirty minutes.

Salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese become your secret weapons for a restaurant-quality meal.

Dig into this delightful dish that promises to become a new family favorite.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken That Delivers Crunch

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Parmesan and Italian seasoning create a deliciously crispy, savory coating that transforms plain chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Quick Kitchen Win: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delectable dinner.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy exterior and tender chicken, making it an ideal option for picky eaters and those who enjoy classic comfort food.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve alongside salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal that works for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the base for this crispy, flavorful dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry surface to help the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
• Large Eggs: Provide a wet, sticky layer that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and helps create a crispy golden crust.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy exterior and helps seal in the chicken's moisture.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic flavor to the coating.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps fry the chicken and creates a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild, spicy kick to the seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, green accent.
• Lemon Wedges: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to complement the crispy chicken.

How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it’s evenly thick.

Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Create Coating Stations

• First dish: all-purpose flour
• Second dish: whisked eggs
• Third dish: combine
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Step 3: Dredge and Coat Chicken

• First, dust completely in flour
• Next, dip into beaten eggs
• Finally, press into Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place coated chicken into the pan.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until exterior turns golden brown and chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer chicken to serving plates.

Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Enjoy your crispy, cheesy chicken masterpiece!

Tips for Crispy Parmesan Chicken

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create uniform chicken thickness, ensuring even cooking and crispy coating.
• Add extra flavor by mixing herbs or spices directly into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for a more complex taste profile.
• Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.
• Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.
• Prepare breaded chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking to enhance coating adherence.

Creative Variations on Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use certified gluten-free Parmesan cheese for those with celiac sensitivity.
• Low-Carb Variation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Eliminate flour coating and directly dip chicken in egg, then Parmesan mixture.
• Herb-Infused Alternative: Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil. Add lemon zest to the Parmesan coating for extra brightness.
• Baked Version: Instead of frying, place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.

Serving Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ideas

• Zesty Sidekick Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the chicken's rich, savory flavor.
• Dinner Party Delight: Create an elegant plate by placing the golden chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic risotto for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Fresh Brightness Boost: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle chopped parsley for a vibrant, tangy finish that cuts through the richness of the Parmesan crust.
• Quick Dipping Magic: Prepare a quick herb-infused aioli or marinara sauce for guests who love extra flavor and want to dunk their crispy chicken pieces.

Storing Parmesan Crusted Chicken Safely

• Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain crispy coating.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Parmesan works best for creating a crispy crust, but you can substitute with Romano or Pecorino cheese for a similar flavor profile. Avoid softer cheeses that won’t create the same crispy texture.

• What if I don't have a meat thermometer?

Look for visual cues: the chicken should be golden brown on the outside, and when you cut into it, the meat should be white and no longer pink. Juices should run clear when you pierce the chicken.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from home kitchens. Home cooks can easily master this golden, cheesy delight that promises juicy chicken with a crunchy, irresistible coating you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness, then generously season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Arrange three separate shallow containers: first with flour for initial coating, second with whisked eggs for binding, third with a fragrant blend of grated Parmesan, crispy breadcrumbs, aromatic garlic powder, and herbaceous Italian seasoning.
3. Meticulously coat each chicken piece by first rolling in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dipping into beaten eggs, and finally pressing the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the surface for a robust, crunchy exterior.
4. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, approximately 350°F. Carefully place prepared chicken into the pan, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer to serving platter, accompany with bright lemon wedges for zesty freshness, and optionally garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to elevate visual appeal and add a delicate herbal note.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pressing Parmesan mixture firmly helps create a crispy, well-adhered coating that won’t fall off during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg