Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: Golden Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering crispy parmesan crusted chicken recipe promises an exciting culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Cheese lovers adore this golden, crunchy delight that turns ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Perfectly seasoned and coated with a delectable parmesan crust, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Tender chicken underneath provides a delightful contrast to the crisp, cheesy exterior that crackles with each bite.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same once you master this irresistible technique.

Dive into this recipe and watch everyone around the table fall in love with every single savory bite.

Why Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Stands Out

Why Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Stands Out
  • Crush Flavor Combinations: A symphony of parmesan, garlic, and herbs creates an irresistible taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
  • Master Crispy Perfection: The triple-station breading technique guarantees a crunchy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and delivers restaurant-quality texture with every bite.
  • Quick Weeknight Champion: This recipe offers a simple, straightforward cooking method that turns basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal in minutes, perfect for busy households.
  • Versatile Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable with different seasonings or served alongside various sides, this chicken recipe provides endless possibilities for creative home cooks.

Ingredients For Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

For the Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the star of this crispy, golden dish.
For the Seasoning Blend:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: A flavorful combination that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken's coating.
For the Breading Components:
  • Flour: Provides a base layer for the breading and helps the egg adhere to the chicken.
  • Eggs: Creates a sticky binding layer that helps the breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken.
  • Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a crunchy, golden exterior with a rich, cheesy flavor.
For the Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Enables even browning and adds a subtle, rich flavor to the chicken.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs, Lemon: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the crispy chicken dish.

Steps To Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Mix Flavor Explosion

Combine the following in a shallow bowl:
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a tantalizing seasoning mix that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

Arrange three separate dishes:
  • First dish: All-purpose flour
  • Second dish: Whisked eggs
  • Third dish: Breadcrumbs mixed with remaining parmesan cheese

This strategic setup ensures maximum crunch and flavor coverage.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

Gently pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This crucial step helps the coating stick like a dream.

Step 4: First Coating Magic

Thoroughly dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour. Make sure every nook and cranny gets a generous flour embrace.

Step 5: Egg Wash Wonder

Dip the flour-coated chicken into beaten eggs. Let excess drip off, creating a smooth sticky layer that’ll help the final coating adhere perfectly.

Step 6: Crispy Breadcrumb Finale

Press chicken into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Pack that coating on generously to create an irresistibly crunchy exterior.

Step 7: Heat Cooking Surface

Pour olive oil into a large skillet. Heat to medium-high until the oil shimmers and looks ready for action (around 375°F).

Step 8: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place breaded chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Check that internal temperature hits 165°F for safe eating.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Transfer chicken to a wire rack. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes. This magical moment allows juices to redistribute and keeps the coating supremely crispy.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Plate immediately. Optional: Sprinkle fresh herbs or squeeze a bit of lemon for an extra flavor pop that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Key Tips For Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Key Tips For Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
  • Achieve Crispy Perfection: Pat chicken breasts bone-dry to help breading stick flawlessly and create an irresistible golden crust.
  • Breading Pro Technique: Create a three-station assembly to ensure even, thick coating that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
  • Oil Management: Maintain medium-high heat around 375°F for even browning and preventing soggy breading.
  • Rest and Recover: Allow chicken to rest on a wire rack after cooking to preserve crispy texture and redistribute delicious juices.

Different Takes On Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate za'atar spice blend into breadcrumbs and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired coating.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into breadcrumb mixture, creating a zesty and bold chicken preparation.
  • Baked Low-Fat Version: Skip pan-frying and instead bake chicken on a wire rack at 425°F for 20 minutes, using cooking spray for minimal oil.

What To Serve With Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Zesty White Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that cuts through the chicken's richness and complements its parmesan coating.
  • Herbal Side Kick: Create a fresh Mediterranean salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's crispy texture and add vibrant flavor contrast.
  • Creamy Sauce Companion: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or light ranch dressing for dipping, which enhances the chicken's parmesan notes and provides a smooth, tangy counterpoint to the crunchy exterior.

How To Store Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture and maintain crispiness.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, storing for maximum 2 months without compromising texture.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F, place chicken on wire rack over baking sheet, bake 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, restoring original crunchiness.
  • Use microwave sparingly, heating on 50% power for 1-minute intervals, rotating piece to prevent uneven warming and potential sogginess.

FAQs For Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • What makes the breading stick to the chicken?

Patting the chicken dry with paper towels creates a clean surface for the flour to adhere, and following the three-station breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) ensures a crispy, well-coated exterior.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should look golden brown on the outside and have no pink meat inside.

  • Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use panko, Italian-style, or homemade breadcrumbs. Each will create a slightly different texture, but all work well for creating a crispy coating.

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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Parmesan-crusted chicken brings golden, crunchy perfection to weeknight dinner tables with Italian-inspired flair. Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in a crisp, cheesy coating promise flavor that dazzles your palate and elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Breading Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Seasoning:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare a comprehensive seasoning blend by combining grated parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow mixing bowl.
  2. Set up a three-station breading assembly: first station with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with breadcrumbs mixed with remaining parmesan cheese.
  3. Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal coating adhesion.
  4. Methodically coat each chicken breast first in seasoned flour, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  5. Dip the floured chicken into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, creating a smooth binding layer.
  6. Transfer chicken to breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, crispy exterior that completely encases the meat.
  7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 375°F.
  8. Carefully place breaded chicken into hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a wire rack for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness and allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Serve immediately, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are uniformly thick by gently pounding them to create an even surface for consistent cooking.
  • Opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy and lighter coating that provides superior crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by substituting flour with almond flour and using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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