This Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! With just a few ingredients like chicken, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, it’s a winner for dinner!
Cooking this dish is super simple! I love hearing that nice crunch when I take a bite. Serve it with some veggies and you’ve got yourself a tasty plate—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for healthier options, try using chicken thighs for a juicier bite. You can also use turkey cutlets if you prefer.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste or even Grana Padano as a milder option.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for extra crunch. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but for a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick, but you can use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes) if you need an egg replacement.
Seasonings: While garlic powder and Italian seasoning are great, feel free to customize with your favorite herbs like paprika or oregano. Just adjust to your taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
To achieve that deliciously crispy coating, follow these steps closely. First, make sure your chicken is patted dry; this helps your breading stick better. Then, when you bread the chicken, press firmly into the crumbs to help them adhere.
- Use a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd it—this lets the chicken fry evenly.
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. A good way to test is to drop a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle right away.
- Lastly, baking after searing helps cook the chicken through without over-browning the crust.
These small tips will make a big difference and you’ll end up with an amazing crunchy chicken every time!
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or more for cooking)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook, totaling about 35-40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal option that packs delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process:
- In the first bowl, add the flour.
- In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
- In the third bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dip it in the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Once seared, transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. They should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for a bright touch if you like.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and can be even more flavorful and juicy. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy cooking and breading.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the chicken breasts up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember that they may need an extra minute or two in the oven if they go in cold.
What Should I Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or over pasta to really soak up some of that cheesy flavor. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a great balance!
