The Most Heavenly Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Ever

Crispy, golden parmesan crusted chicken brings weeknight dinners to life with incredible flavor and texture.

Cheese lovers appreciate how simple ingredients create such magnificent results.

Tender chicken breasts transform when coated in a perfect blend of herbs and grated cheese.

Pantry staples make this dish accessible for anyone wanting a quick and delicious meal.

Simple techniques guarantee a crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and taste.

Weeknight cooking becomes exciting when you can whip up something this delectable in under 30 minutes.

Every bite promises a delightful crunch that will have you returning to this recipe again and again.

What Makes Parmesan Crusted Chicken a Winner

• Craft a Hearty Family Meal: This Southern casserole brings everyone together with its delicious layers of comfort food that satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine all ingredients in one dish, minimizing prep work and kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Quick and Nutritious Dinner Solution: Pack protein, grains, and vegetables into a single recipe that provides balanced eating without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or cheese types to match family preferences, making this recipe flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ingredient Checklist

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

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crunchy and savory exterior that adds texture and rich flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide a well-balanced and aromatic seasoning blend that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden-brown crust when searing the chicken before baking.

How to Prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Blend

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a deliciously seasoned crust.

Step 3: Whip Egg Wash

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Dredge Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage. Then immediately roll the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.

Step 5: Sear Golden Exterior

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place coated chicken into the hot pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain those delicious juices.

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful Parmesan-crusted chicken!

Key Tips for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Choose thick, evenly sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking and golden-brown crust.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help the Parmesan mixture adhere perfectly and create a crispier texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and better binding with breadcrumbs.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add extra herbs like fresh parsley or basil to the Parmesan mixture for a bright, aromatic finish.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Flavor Swaps

• Herb Garden Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil for a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Parmesan Chicken: Add finely diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty, bold kick.
• Almond Crusted Parmesan Chicken: Substitute breadcrumbs with ground almonds for a nutty, crunchy texture and gluten-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Chicken: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the Parmesan coating for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Serving Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ideas

• Crispy Comfort Plate Companion: Serve this golden Parmesan chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. The rich, cheesy coating pairs perfectly with the smooth potato texture.
• Mediterranean Salad Delight: Slice the chicken and place atop a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The crispy chicken adds protein and crunch to the vibrant salad.
• Pasta Night Transformation: Chop the chicken and toss with al dente pasta, creating a quick and satisfying dinner. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil elevates the dish, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal at home.

How to Store Parmesan Crusted Chicken Safely

• Store leftover Parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and maintain the crunchy texture.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy and doesn't dry out?

Use thin chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents overcooking, which can make the meat tough and dry.

• Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Fresh grated Parmesan is best for better flavor and crispier coating. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the coating less crispy and affect the overall texture.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Alternatively, just use dried herbs you have on hand to create a similar flavor profile.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken elevates weeknight dinners with crispy, cheesy goodness. Simple ingredients and quick preparation create a crowd-pleasing meal you will savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsps olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Combine the breadcrumb mixture in a shallow dish, blending the grated Parmesan, aromatic garlic powder, fragrant Italian herbs, and seasoning until thoroughly integrated.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate wide bowl until smooth and well-combined.
4. Gently dredge each chicken breast first through the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then meticulously coat with the seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden sear on the coated chicken for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until a crispy, light brown crust develops.
6. Carefully transfer the partially cooked chicken to the prepared baking sheet, placing pieces without touching, and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F.
7. Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are even thickness by gently pounding them to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the crispy texture without compromising dietary needs.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help the Parmesan mixture adhere better and create a crispier golden crust.
• For a lighter version, replace some breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the satisfying crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg