If you’re craving a dish that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside and tenderly juicy inside, then learning how to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an absolute must. This recipe combines a crunchy golden Parmesan coating with succulent chicken breasts, creating a delightful burst of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken will become your new go-to dish filled with cheesy, savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golden Crunch: The Parmesan coating crisps up beautifully, giving you a satisfying texture with every bite.
Juicy Inside: Proper cooking ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy beneath the crispy crust.
Quick and Easy: Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Flavor: The cheesy crust pairs well with numerous sides and can be customized with herbs and spices.
Family Friendly: A beloved choice for kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential for building the perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Each element plays a role in delivering amazing taste, texture, or color, ensuring your chicken is flavorful and visually appetizing.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless for easy cooking and even coating.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated adds sharp, nutty flavor and a crispy crust.
Breadcrumbs: Panko works best for extra crunch and structure in the crust.
Eggs: Acts as a binder to help the Parmesan and breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth to the crust.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the coating.
Olive oil or butter: Used for frying or baking to achieve that golden color and rich flavor.

Variations for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

The beauty of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is how easy it is to tweak the flavors and ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs. Experimenting with variations lets you make the recipe uniquely yours!

Herb infused: Add chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the crust for a fresh herbal note.
Spicy kick: Mix in cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a gentle heat layer.
Low-carb option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to keep it keto-friendly.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify Parmesan cheese suitability.
Lemon zest boost: Add grated lemon zest to the coating for a bright, citrusy twist.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry using paper towels to ensure an even coating. Optionally, you can pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, for faster, uniform cooking and juicier results.

Step 2: Set up the Breading Station

In one shallow dish, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and additional seasoning if desired.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off before pressing it firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every side is well coated to build that delicious crust.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust turns golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices and ensure a moist bite.

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Even thickness: Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness to avoid uneven cooking.
Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better flavor and crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to keep the crust from steaming and getting soggy.
Temperature control: Medium heat allows the crust to brown properly without burning.
Resting time: Always let the cooked chicken rest briefly to keep it juicy inside.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken to brighten its rich, cheesy flavor and add a splash of color.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs for a wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and serve it over creamy risotto or atop a bed of sautéed spinach for an elegant presentation, perfect for guests or a comforting dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier, though they may require slightly longer cooking times.

Is Parmesan Crusted Chicken gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use breadcrumbs that contain gluten, but you can easily substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten sensitivity.

How do I prevent the crust from falling off during cooking?

Ensure you press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken and avoid flipping the chicken too often; letting it cook undisturbed helps the crust set nicely.

Can I bake Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes on a greased baking sheet until golden and cooked through, turning halfway if desired for even browning.

What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a full meal?

Serve with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or creamy pasta to balance the crunchy chicken and round out the plate.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about Parmesan Crusted Chicken when that crisp, cheesy crust meets tender, juicy chicken beneath. This recipe hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and ease, making it a dish you’ll be excited to serve time and time again. Grab your ingredients and turn an ordinary dinner into a flavorful delight everyone will ask for seconds of!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Print Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken features juicy, tender chicken breasts encased in a golden, crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, offering a cheesy, savory taste with a delightful crunch. Versatile and family-friendly, it pairs well with a variety of sides and can be customized with herbs, spices, and gluten-free or low-carb options.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Pan-frying (Alternative baking method available)
Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it gluten-free)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Binder

2 large eggs
Pinch of salt and pepper (for eggs)

For Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Optionally, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for uniform cooking and juicier results.
Set up the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (add additional seasoning or herbs if desired).
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first in the beaten egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated to create a crispy crust.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step helps retain juices and ensures the chicken stays tender.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan to prevent soggy crusts.
Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the crust.
Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, crispy chicken, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, low-carb chicken option