This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken with a crunchy, cheesy topping. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor!
I love how crispy the coating gets while the chicken stays tender inside. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a side salad or some steamed veggies—dinner is served!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. If you want, thighs are a great alternative since they tend to be juicier. Also, you could use turkey cutlets for a leaner option.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a fantastic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano, which is saltier and has a sharper taste. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan Parmesan substitutes.
Breadcrumbs: I love panko for its extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you want to make it gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Eggs: The eggs are crucial for binding our crust. If you need a substitute, try using unsweetened applesauce or a chia seed slurry (1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). It works well to hold everything together!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The key to a nice, crispy coating is following a simple dredging process. This ensures each chicken breast gets an even coating, which makes a huge difference in texture.
- Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before the dredging process.
- Don’t rush the coating; ensure each piece is fully covered with flour, then eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to help it stick.
- Heat your skillet properly before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that golden brown crust.
For an extra boost, consider adding some herbs or spices to your breadcrumb mixture, like Italian seasoning or paprika, for more flavor! Enjoy making this dish, and don’t forget the lemon wedges—they really brighten it up!
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Breading:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Olive oil or butter (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the chicken and breading, then around 10-15 minutes cooking it in the skillet. If you choose to bake the chicken afterward, allow an additional 5-10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re thinking about baking the chicken later. It’s a nice way to finish cooking and get that crust extra crispy!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Get your three bowls ready for breading. In the first bowl, put the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will make a delicious coating for the chicken!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides to season them well. This will help enhance the flavor of your chicken.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Now it’s time to coat the chicken! Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, making sure to cover all sides for a crunchy outer layer.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil or butter to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Once it’s hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. If your skillet isn’t big enough, fry the chicken in batches. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
6. (Optional) Bake for Extra Crispiness:
If you want to bake the chicken after frying, transfer the cooked breasts to a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for around 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked and achieve that extra crispy texture!
7. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This will help keep the chicken juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it with lemon wedges on the side for a little zing when you squeeze it over the chicken. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan crusted chicken!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese adds a great flavor, you can try other cheeses like Romano or Pecorino for a different twist. Just make sure they are grated finely to achieve that perfect crust!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! Regular breadcrumbs will work fine, though they might not be as crunchy. If you have plain bread, you can make your own breadcrumbs by grinding it in a food processor until fine!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do it in the oven or an air fryer to keep the crust crispy. If using a microwave, use a lower power setting to prevent sogginess.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives! Look for gluten-free breadcrumbs and a suitable gluten-free flour blend, which will work just as well for the breading!
