The Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Crispy Perfection

Parmesan crusted chicken changes ordinary poultry into a culinary masterpiece that delights taste buds with its irresistible texture and rich, savory profile.

Crisp cheese-laden edges promise a delectable crunch that contrasts beautifully with succulent meat beneath the surface.

Sophisticated yet simple, this dish bridges the gap between elegant dining and home-cooked comfort.

Each forkful delivers a complex interplay of flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable harmony.

Family members and dinner guests alike will marvel at the restaurant-quality presentation you’ve crafted in your own kitchen.

The technique requires minimal ingredients but yields maximum satisfaction, making it a smart choice for home cooks seeking impressive results.

Great Side Ideas for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Crisp Wine Companion: Pair this golden parmesan chicken with a crisp, dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light wines cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the chicken's delicate flavor perfectly.
• Zesty Salad Sidekick: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's crispy texture. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will brighten the entire meal and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Veggie Harmony: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or brussel sprouts tossed with garlic and olive oil. These vegetables enhance the herb-infused breading and add a nutritious, colorful element to the plate.
• Creamy Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or herb-infused mayonnaise for dipping. This creamy sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the parmesan crust and elevates the entire dish.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Variations That Wow

• Herby Mediterranean Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Crunch Chicken: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice blend. Mix crushed cornflakes with breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Drizzle hot sauce over chicken before serving to boost heat levels.
• Nutty Almond-Crusted Chicken: Substitute panko with ground almonds mixed with parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest for brightness.
• Ranch-Inspired Crispy Chicken: Incorporate dry ranch seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture. Use buttermilk instead of eggs for coating. Sprinkle extra ranch powder after baking for intense flavor.

What Makes Parmesan Crusted Chicken So Crisp and Savory

• Crisp Up Flavor: The perfect combination of golden-brown panko breadcrumbs and sharp parmesan cheese creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that locks in the chicken's juicy tenderness.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: This skillet-to-oven technique ensures even cooking, allowing home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal culinary expertise and maximum flavor impact.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious, protein-packed meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Protein Powerhouse: Packed with 29 grams of protein and low in sugar, this chicken dish delivers a nutritious meal that can easily be paired with various sides like roasted vegetables, salads, or rice.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, best when fresh and uniform in thickness for even cooking.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumb mixture adhere to chicken, providing a rich and smooth coating.

• Flour: Creates initial dry layer for breading, helping other ingredients stick to chicken surface.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide excellent texture and golden crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps create a crispy, flavorful exterior with nutty undertones.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces aromatic complexity and traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides necessary fat for browning chicken and preventing sticking in skillet.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, concentrated garlic flavor throughout the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural chicken flavors.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and aromatic spiciness to complement other seasonings.

Instructions for Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thinner pieces
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels
• Season both sides with
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Create Coating Stations

• First dish: Flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Combine
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

Pour olive oil into an oven-proof skillet over medium heat.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

• First: Flour (shake off excess)
• Second: Egg wash
• Third: Breadcrumb mixture (press coating gently)

Step 6: First Cooking Stage

• Add 2 pieces at a time
• Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
• Transfer cooked pieces to a plate

Step 7: Continue Cooking Remaining Chicken

• Add olive oil if needed
• Repeat cooking process for remaining chicken pieces

Step 8: Arrange in Skillet

Return all chicken pieces to skillet, ensuring no overlapping.

Step 9: Final Oven Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Plate and enjoy your crispy, golden chicken cutlets while hot!

Tips for Juicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Every Time

• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create even, thin pieces ensuring uniform cooking and faster preparation.
• Pat Dry Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from chicken, helping breadcrumb mixture adhere more effectively and creating crispier texture.
• Layer Carefully: Dredge chicken in flour first to help egg wash stick, then coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess between each step for maximum crunch.
• Heat Control Matters: Use medium heat when browning chicken to achieve golden color without burning the delicate parmesan coating.
• Temperature Check: Always verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer to guarantee safe and juicy results.

How to Store and Reheat Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Refrigeration: Wrap cooled chicken tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid overheating to maintain crispy parmesan crust and tender meat.
• Microwave Option: While not ideal for maintaining crispiness, you can reheat chicken in short 30-second intervals. Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken brings classic Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with golden, crispy perfection. Cheese-coated chicken breasts deliver a luxurious crunch that makes dinner feel like a special occasion you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) flour
• ⅔ cup (150 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning the rack in the top third of the oven.
2. Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner, even portions. Pat the chicken completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Season both sides of the chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
5. Heat of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers slightly.
6. Carefully coat each chicken piece by first dredging in flour, then dipping in egg wash, and finally pressing into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating. Gently shake off any excess breading between each step.
7. Carefully place two chicken pieces into the hot skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
8. Transfer the first batch of browned chicken to a clean plate. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet before cooking the remaining chicken pieces.
9. Once all chicken pieces are browned, arrange them evenly in the skillet without overlapping.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read meat thermometer.
11. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
12. Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an enhanced presentation.

Notes

• Transform ordinary chicken into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Slicing chicken thin ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption in every delectable bite.
• Dredging creates a magical protective layer, locking in moisture while building an irresistible golden-brown crust.
• Combining panko and parmesan delivers a crunchy texture that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.
• Skillet-to-oven technique guarantees perfectly cooked chicken with a stunning exterior that’ll impress everyone at the table.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg