This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a tasty treat! The juicy chicken is coated with a crunchy mix of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, giving it a golden finish. Yum!
It’s super easy to whip up for dinner, and the kids will love it! I like serving it with some veggies on the side to keep things colorful and healthy. Enjoy the crunch! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use skinless chicken thighs instead, as they stay moist and tender.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best for a rich flavor, but pre-shredded will work too. For a dairy-free version, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the milk.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but it won’t be as crispy. You could also use crushed crackers or cornflakes as a unique alternative.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These add a lot of flavor to the chicken. You can use fresh garlic instead if you prefer, just minced finely. For a different twist, try your favorite spice blend!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy crust is all about how you prepare the chicken and the cooking method. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken has a delightful crunch:
- Coat the chicken well: Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly coated with flour, egg, and the breadcrumb mix. Press down firmly to ensure it sticks.
- Heat the oil properly: The oil should be hot before adding the chicken. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumbs in; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. This helps the chicken stay crispy and not steam.
- Finish in the oven: After frying, popping the chicken in the oven ensures it cooks through without sacrificing the crust.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking; this helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Frying:
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can have it ready in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot for when your chicken is ready to bake. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Setting Up the Dredging Stations:
Get out three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place 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 pepper.
3. Preparing the Chicken:
Next, pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. If they’re thick, you can slice them in half horizontally or gently pound them down to about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
4. Coating the Chicken:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take each chicken breast and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until it’s well-coated on all sides.
5. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; you can do this in batches if needed.
6. Baking:
Once they are cooked in the skillet, carefully transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
7. Finishing Touches:
After baking, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This moisture helps keep it juicy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zest!
Enjoy this crispy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken with your favorite sides! It’s bound to be a hit!
FAQs for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a delicious alternative as they tend to be juicier. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results in this recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works well to provide a cheesy taste without the milk.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken breasts and coat them ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry and bake. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to fry just before serving.
