Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is shockingly simple to make. If you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s full of flavor and family-approved, this dish checks all the boxes.
- Quick Dinner Solution: The entire recipe—from prep to plate—takes only about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crispy, Golden Crust: The combination of grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates a deliciously crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge, so there’s no need for a special grocery trip.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with pasta, salad, or veggies for a complete meal that suits any occasion, whether casual family dinners or a more special gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish uses straightforward ingredients that combine to deliver an irresistible flavor and texture.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Pounding them to even thickness helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is preferred for its superior flavor and meltability, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create an extra-crispy crust, but regular breadcrumbs are also delicious.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Helps the coating adhere and promotes browning.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper add classic savory flavors to the crust.
- Optional Additions: Lemon wedges for serving can brighten the flavors, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken is surprisingly simple and requires minimal cooking skills. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet until they’re about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend thoroughly.
- Dredge the Chicken: Brush or drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter. Press each breast firmly into the parmesan mixture on both sides to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Oven Method: Bake on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you’d like extra browning.
- Pan-Fry Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken Every Time
Even a simple recipe has tricks that ensure success. Here’s how to elevate your Parmesan Crusted Chicken from good to great:
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts and adheres better than the pre-shredded kind and delivers a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents dry edges or raw centers.
- Let the Crust Set Before Flipping: If pan-frying, give the crust time to form a golden crust before turning the chicken. Moving it too early can cause the coating to fall off.
- Avoid Soggy Crust: If baking, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep air circulating around the chicken and prevent sogginess underneath.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and juiciness.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish is wonderfully versatile, pairing well with various sides and sauces. Here are some tasty ideas to round out your meal:
- Simple Sides: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli complements the rich flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.
- Carb Pairings: Serve the chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a flavorful rice pilaf for a hearty dinner.
- Sauce Options: While the chicken is delicious on its own, a drizzle of lemon butter sauce, marinara, or creamy garlic sauce can add extra flavor and elegance.
- Leftovers & Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Simple Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This Simple Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is your go-to for a quick, delicious dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy, golden parmesan and breadcrumb crust, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a family meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: lemon wedges chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Place between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch for even cooking.
Make Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Chicken:
- Brush each chicken breast lightly with olive oil. Press each breast into the parmesan mixture, coating both sides firmly.
Bake Chicken:
- Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Serve:
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- For pan-frying instead of baking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Freshly grated parmesan yields the best flavor and crust texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
