This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a true winner! It features juicy chicken covered in a golden, crunchy Parmesan coating that brings tons of flavor to your plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker pieces.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for that crispy crust. If you’re out, you can use Pecorino Romano or even a pre-grated Italian cheese blend, but the flavor may vary.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the chicken that extra crunch! If you don’t have Panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but your crust may not be as crispy. Consider adding a bit of crushed cornflakes for crunch if you like.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These add tons of flavor! If you’re missing garlic powder, fresh minced garlic can be used. For seasoning, fresh herbs like basil or oregano are tasty alternatives!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
The secret to a super crispy crust lies in the preparation and cooking method. Here’s what you need to focus on:
- Make sure the chicken is patted dry before you start; this helps the coating stick.
- Crispiness comes from the breadcrumbs, so press them onto the chicken firmly to ensure a solid coating.
- Cook in batches rather than overcrowding the pan. This allows the chicken to fry evenly and get that golden color without steaming.
- Finally, baking the chicken after pan-frying helps set the crust and ensures the chicken stays juicy inside.
Following these tips will guarantee a perfectly crispy and delicious Parmesan crusted chicken!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or more as needed 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 to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook, including frying and baking. You’ll have a crispy, flavorful dinner on the table in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the 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:
If your chicken breasts are thick, carefully slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it adds great flavor!
4. Set Up the Dredging Station:
In three shallow dishes, set up your dredging station. Place flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and in the third dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess egg to drip off. Finally, firmly press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat it completely. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.
6. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. Bake the Chicken:
After frying, transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Parmesan crusted chicken!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe remains the same!
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can coat the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crispy chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain some crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crunch.
