Transform ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary culinary delight with this incredible recipe for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts. Dredged in a savory parmesan and panko bread crumb coating, each chicken breast is pan-fried to golden perfection, promising a delectable crunch with every bite. The result is a dish that’s incredibly juicy and tender on the inside, beautifully complemented by an irresistibly crispy exterior. This simple yet sophisticated chicken recipe is destined to become a staple in your home, offering a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Best of all, you can have this mouthwatering dish on your table in approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something truly special without the fuss.
You’ll be amazed at how a few basic pantry ingredients can elevate humble chicken breasts into this flavorful and satisfying meal. The magic lies in the perfect balance of seasoning, the distinct crunch of panko, and the rich depth of Parmesan cheese. This dish comes together so quickly and effortlessly that it truly is the ultimate weeknight solution for those moments when you crave a crunchy, comforting, and utterly delicious dinner. With its tender, moist, and succulent interior encased in a golden, crispy shell, these Parmesan chicken breasts are an undeniable crowd-pleaser that guarantees rave reviews from family and friends.
If you’re on the hunt for more sensational chicken recipes that deliver both crispiness and incredible flavor, be sure to explore our Crispy Honey Chicken or Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken. Both are fantastic options that are just as easy to prepare and can be ready in under an hour, offering versatile and exciting additions to your weekly meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This Parmesan crusted chicken recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Here’s why it’s bound to become a new favorite:
- Lightning Fast Preparation: Say goodbye to long cooking times! This recipe is designed for speed, allowing you to go from prep to plate in approximately 30 minutes. The shallow frying method heats up quickly, cutting down on overall cooking duration compared to deep-frying. Perfect for busy evenings when time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable.
- Effortlessly Simple: Crafted with common kitchen staples, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. Even novice cooks can achieve perfectly crunchy, golden-brown chicken with minimal effort. The steps are intuitive, making the cooking process enjoyable and stress-free.
- Unforgettable Flavor and Texture: Prepare for a symphony of textures and tastes. Each bite delivers a juicy, tender chicken interior perfectly contrasted by a robust, crispy, and flavorful Parmesan-panko crust. It’s a dish so delicious, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, savoring every crispy morsel.
- Versatile and Customizable: While fantastic on its own, this chicken serves as a perfect canvas for various sides and sauces. You can easily adapt the seasonings to suit your palate or experiment with different cheese blends for a unique twist.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish is a universal crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will adore the satisfying crunch and savory flavor, making mealtime battles a thing of the past.
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Creating this irresistible Parmesan crusted chicken requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The quality of each component truly shines through in the final dish, so choose wisely!
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For uniform cooking, aim to select pieces of similar size and thickness. Pounding them lightly will also ensure even cooking.
- Flavorful Seasoning Blend: A simple yet potent combination of garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and freshly ground black pepper will infuse the chicken with aromatic depth before coating.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as the crucial first layer in our breading station. A light dredge in flour helps the egg wash adhere better to the chicken, creating a solid base for the crispy panko and Parmesan.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs form the sticky bridge between the flour and the dry breading mixture. They are essential for a thick, even crust.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: The secret to that superior, extra-crispy texture! Panko crumbs are coarser and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, absorbing less oil and yielding a remarkably crunchy coating. Avoid pre-seasoned panko, as we’re already seasoning the chicken and the flour.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and crispiness. Its nutty, salty profile is key to the crust’s deliciousness.
- Olive Oil: Used for shallow frying, olive oil provides a wonderful flavor. You can also use other high-smoke point oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil if preferred.
- Fresh Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the rich flavors of the chicken and adds a zesty finish.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A vibrant green garnish that adds a touch of freshness and color, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.
How To Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast: Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving perfectly crispy and juicy Parmesan crusted chicken is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to create a show-stopping meal:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ to ¾ inch. This ensures uniform cooking and tender results. Season both sides of the pounded chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one wide, shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. In a second separate wide, shallow bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing them thoroughly. Ensure you have a third bowl for the all-purpose flour. Your breading station should be set up as: flour, egg wash, panko-Parmesan mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Take one seasoned chicken breast and dredge it completely in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, transfer the chicken to the panko and Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs adhere firmly to all sides. Place the coated chicken on a clean plate or wire rack while you repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Pan-Fry to Perfection: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat thoroughly but not smoke. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest, Garnish, and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the crispy Parmesan chicken breasts to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil and maintain crispiness. Repeat the frying process with any remaining chicken. Garnish the finished chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality crispy Parmesan crusted chicken at home is easier with a few insider tips:
- Pound for Evenness: Do not skip pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This crucial step ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly, preventing the crispy exterior from burning before the interior is thoroughly cooked and juicy.
- Mind the Moisture: Before dredging the chicken in flour, pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the flour, egg, and breading from adhering properly, leading to a less crispy crust.
- Optimal Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent medium heat for your oil. If the oil is too cold, the crust will be soggy and greasy; if it’s too hot, the crust will burn before the chicken cooks through. A good indicator is when a sprinkle of panko sizzles immediately upon contact.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet lowers the oil temperature, which can result in steamed rather than crispy chicken. Give each piece enough space to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Use a Wire Rack for Draining: Instead of paper towels, transfer cooked chicken breasts to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Paper towels can trap steam, making the bottom of the crust soggy. A wire rack allows air to circulate, keeping your chicken beautifully crispy.
- Verify Doneness with a Thermometer: The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. A meat thermometer is your best friend for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Consider Chicken Thighs: While this recipe is designed for chicken breasts, it can easily be adapted for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can be thicker and may require a few extra minutes.
- Avoid Extra Melting Cheeses: Resist the temptation to add extra melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar to the breading mixture. While delicious in other contexts, these cheeses can melt too quickly during frying, making the crust mushy rather than crisp. Stick to Parmesan for the best texture.
- Splatter Guard for Clean-Up: If you have a splatter guard, use it! It will significantly reduce oil splatters on your stovetop, making clean-up much easier.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This versatile Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, the smooth texture of Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes provides a comforting contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: For another textural delight, serve with Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes or Crispy Potato Wedges.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, vibrant salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, green beans, or a medley of seasonal vegetables add color, nutrients, and a fresh element.
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks: Complement the Italian flavors with a side of warm garlic bread or Cheesy Cauliflower Bread Sticks.
- Pasta with Light Sauce: A side of pasta tossed in a simple marinara or a light lemon-butter sauce can make for a more substantial meal.
- Air Fryer French Fries: For a fun and easy side, a batch of Crispy Air Fryer French Fries is always a hit.
Storage and Reheating Crispy Parmesan Chicken
If you find yourself with delightful leftovers, proper storage and reheating techniques will ensure your Parmesan crusted chicken stays delicious.
How long does Parmesan crusted chicken last?
Cooked Parmesan crusted chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are certainly still tasty!
Can you freeze Parmesan crusted chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this crispy Parmesan chicken after it has been fully cooked and cooled. Arrange the cooked chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up delicious for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen.
How to store and reheat crispy Parmesan chicken?
To store, place cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, to maintain maximum crispiness, we highly recommend using an air fryer or an oven. Reheat in an air fryer at a low temperature, around 325°F (160°C), until warmed through and re-crisped. Alternatively, reheat in a conventional oven at 325°F (160°C) until hot and crispy, typically about 10-15 minutes.
Can you make Parmesan crusted chicken ahead of time?
While frying fresh is always best for ultimate crispiness, you can prepare some components in advance. You can pound and season the chicken, and even whisk the eggs and combine the dry breading mixture ahead of time. You can also marinate the chicken overnight in the egg wash for an enhanced flavor profile. Simply cover the seasoned chicken or the chicken in egg wash with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remember to take it out at least 20 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature before dredging and frying.
More Mouthwatering Chicken Dinner Recipes
Looking to expand your repertoire of delicious chicken dishes? Explore these other fantastic recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Hearty Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
- Refreshing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Easy Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken
- Zesty Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Spicy Peri Peri Chicken Breast
- Flavorful Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers
We truly hope you enjoy all the recipes we share with you, especially this delightful Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast recipe. We encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experience with friends and family!
If you prepare this recipe and love it as much as we do, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below to let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to use our hashtag to share your delicious recreations with us on Instagram! For all our latest social posts and exciting new recipes, follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast
Dredged in a flavorful parmesan and panko bread crumb coating, this homemade Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection! It’s juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and ready to eat in around 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 whole chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Lemon wedges, to serve
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and pound them to an even and flat thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch).
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper.
- Set up your breading station: Whisk the eggs in a wide shallow bowl. In another separate wide shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Have a third bowl ready for all-purpose flour.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in flour (shaking off excess), then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the panko-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat to shallow fry the chicken. Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook until crispy and golden brown on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges to serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Pounding the chicken to even thickness is crucial to prevent the crispy exterior from burning before the inside cooks through.
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain cooked chicken breasts. This allows air circulation and prevents steam from making the crust soggy.
- Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Pat chicken pieces dry before dredging in flour for better adhesion of the coating.
- This recipe can also be made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Avoid adding extra melting cheeses (like mozzarella or cheddar) to the bread crumbs, as they can melt and make the crust mushy.
- A splatter guard can be useful to minimize oil splatters during frying.
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 20g |
Protein: 56g |
Fat: 24g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 234mg |
Sodium: 822mg |
Potassium: 929mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 243IU |
Vitamin C: 3mg |
Calcium: 151mg |
Iron: 3mg