Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is quick to make, full of bold flavor, and needs just a handful of pantry staples. It’s a fantastic way to add variety to your usual chicken dinners, and it pairs beautifully with everything from pasta and salad to mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
Eggs
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil or butter for pan-frying
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional for serving)

Directions

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pound to even thickness.
In a shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In another dish, beat the eggs.
Dip each chicken cutlet into the eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Optional: Transfer to a baking sheet and place in a warm oven to keep hot while cooking remaining pieces.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Total cook time is approximately 25–30 minutes, including preparation and cooking.

Variations

Herb Crusted Chicken: Add Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix.
Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cheese Blend: Combine Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until hot and crisp.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Use finely grated Parmesan for the best coating. Freshly grated cheese will give better flavor and texture than the pre-shredded kind.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay extra juicy.

Is it better to pan-fry or bake?

Both methods work. Pan-frying gives a crispier crust, while baking is a bit lighter and hands-off.

How do I keep the crust from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is patted dry before coating, and press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.

What side dishes go well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, Caesar salad, or a fresh green salad.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, but note the flavor and texture will be different.

Can I air fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Yes, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether pan-fried or baked, it delivers a crispy coating and juicy interior every time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crispy, golden dish made with juicy chicken breasts coated in a Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. Pan-fried or baked, it’s simple, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with pasta, salad, or veggies.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fry or Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets, or pound to an even thickness.
In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
Dip each chicken cutlet into the eggs, then coat in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Optional: Keep cooked chicken warm in a 200°F oven while finishing remaining pieces.
Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Bake instead of pan-fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes for a lighter option.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Press coating firmly onto chicken to help it stick during cooking.
Reheat leftovers in the oven for best crispiness.
Thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 420
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 160mg