This parmesan crusted chicken is quick, easy, and so flavorful! The crispy, golden brown crust is made with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. The tender chicken breast is cooked to perfection. This 25-minute dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This parmesan crusted chicken is easy to make.
- The ingredients are simple and the steps are straightforward.
- It is versatile.
- Serve with spaghetti, meat sauce, spaghetti squash, roasted veggies, or salads.
- You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding different herbs or spices.
- This easy chicken recipe takes only 25 minutes in total. This Tuscan Chicken is quick and easy too!
- The crispy crust and the juicy chicken are delicious!
- Enjoy the Italian flavors at home.
- Both kids and adults love this quick and easy dinner recipe!
- Great for busy weeknights, holidays, meal prep, and leftovers.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free if needed.
- Check out these Homemade Chicken Nuggets or this Stuffed Chicken Breast for another favorite recipe.
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutions for parmesan crusted chicken. Scroll down to the bottom for the entire recipe.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it completely before cooking.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. You can also use other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder or paprika.
Whole wheat flour helps coat the chicken. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour.
Eggs help the breading stick to the chicken. Do not omit this step.
Panko breadcrumbs add a crispy crunchy coating. We love using whole wheat breadcrumbs.
Grated Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy and crispy touch to the coating.
Italian seasoning adds the classic Italian flavor. If you cannot find Italian seasoning, use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Fry the chicken in olive oil or avocado oil. Butter works well too.
For the sauce, use unsalted butter. This allows you to add as much or as little salt to the dish as desired.
Minced garlic cloves add the classic garlicky flavor!
Lemon juice and zest add a bright pop of freshness.
Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Taste & Texture
The crispy crust is full of flavor from the Parmesan cheese and herbs. In addition, the tender chicken breast is juicy and cooked to perfection.
The texture of the parmesan crusted chicken is perfect.
The crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Moreover, the chicken is tender and juicy.
How to Make
Step 1
First, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch.
Step 2
Season both sides of the chicken with sea salt and pepper.
Step 3
Place the flour in a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs in another shallow bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a third shallow bowl.
Step 4
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour. Shake off any excess.
Step 5
Dip the chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Step 6
Then, coat the chicken fully in the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 7
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 8
Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Step 9
Place the cooked chicken on a plate with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 10
Then, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 11
Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 12
Stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 13
Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cooked chicken.
Step 14
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Finally, serve this easy parmesan crusted chicken!
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips and tricks for making the best Parmesan crusted chicken.
Pound the meat to 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet. This tenderizes the chicken and helps with even cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if possible. It adds the best texture and flavor.
Do not overcrowd the skillet.
Baste the chicken with butter or olive oil during the cooking process. This keeps it extra moist.
Do not cook too high. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This will lock in the juices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
There are many ways to vary the flavor of Parmesan crusted chicken. Here are a few ideas.
Add different herbs and spices to the bread crumb mixture. We love using oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
Use different types of shredded cheese. In addition to Parmesan cheese, you could also use Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese.
Add vegetables to the dish. Try broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
Serve the chicken with a dipping sauce. This parmesan crusted chicken works well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.
How to Serve & Store
Parmesan crusted chicken is best served hot and fresh. Serve with spaghetti squash, whole wheat noodles, or on top of salad.
This chicken pairs well with marinara sauce, pesto, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and more.
We especially love the lemon garlic butter sauce in this recipe!
However, it can also be made ahead of time and reheated.
To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 7 minutes, or until heated through.
The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Yes, you can make this recipe without breadcrumbs. However, the crust will not be as crispy. Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed up whole wheat crackers.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. You could also use almond flour or coconut flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the chicken as directed and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
It is chicken coated in Parmesan cheese, then fried or baked. The result is a super crispy crust and tender chicken. This popular Italian style dish is great for the whole family.
Chicken Parmesan can be fried or baked.
Sure! Prepare the chicken as outlined. Then, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Equipment Needed
Meat Mallet: Pound out the chicken breasts with this meat mallet.
You May Also Enjoy
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- olive oil (for frying)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- First, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch.
- Season both sides of the chicken with sea salt and pepper.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs in another shallow bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a third shallow bowl.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Then, coat the chicken fully in the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Place the cooked chicken on a plate with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Then, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cooked chicken.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve parmesan crusted chicken!
Notes
- If needed, use gluten-free flour instead of whole wheat flour.
- Use a meat mallet to pound out the chicken. This helps with even cooking.
- Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can this be made in an air fryer?
Yes, definitely! About 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit should work well. Enjoy!