Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan Crusted Chicken features a golden, crispy crust of freshly grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, locking in juicy, tender chicken breasts inside. This easy and versatile recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With options to bake or pan-fry, it’s a family-friendly dish boasting unbeatable texture and flavor every time.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 8-10 minutes (pan-frying)
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used)
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for cooking and brushing)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to help the coating stick better. If desired, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful crust mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or melted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a hands-off approach.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps preserve juiciness, ensuring a tender and flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken every time.
Notes
- Dry chicken thoroughly to help the coating adhere and crisp properly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- Rest cooked chicken for about 5 minutes to lock in moisture.
- Baking is a lighter cooking method that still produces a crispy crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For best reheating results, warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to preserve crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, crispy chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner, family dinner, gluten-free chicken, panko crust, juicy chicken