Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan Crusted Chicken features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden crust made from freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold, versatile flavors with a light breading technique that locks in juiciness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it combines simplicity with gourmet appeal to create an irresistibly delicious meal.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano and basil mix)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets or gently pound them to an even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and faster.
- Create the breading mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. This mixture adds flavor and texture to form a crisp crust.
- Set up the dipping station: Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl until smooth to create an egg wash, which helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then press it firmly into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Cook to perfection: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, for a lighter option, arrange the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Pat dry the chicken before breading to prevent sogginess and ensure crispiness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and crisping compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper browning and avoid steaming the chicken.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices and improve tenderness.
- Experiment with cooking methods: pan-frying yields a crunchier crust, while oven-baking gives a healthier finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken, gluten-free chicken, quick chicken dinner, Italian chicken