This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is golden and crunchy on the outside, with juicy chicken inside. It’s a perfect way to impress at dinner without too much fuss!
You can easily whip this up on a busy night, and kids love it! I like to serve it with a simple salad or some pasta for a complete meal that feels special. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay moist. If you’re looking for alternatives, boneless thighs work well too, giving you a slightly richer flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: The star of the crust! Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and texture. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano can provide a similar taste, or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but the texture will be a bit less crispy. You can even crush cornflakes for a gluten-free alternative.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the coating. If you’re avoiding eggs, a mix of ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) can serve as an egg replacement.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Coating?
Achieving a crispy crust is all about proper breading and frying techniques. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch:
- Make sure the chicken is pounded evenly; this allows for quicker cooking and a uniform crust.
- Don’t skip the flour step! It helps the egg mixture stick better to the chicken.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken. This ensures that the coating does not fall off while cooking.
- Fry the chicken on medium heat. If it’s too hot, the crust will burn before the chicken cooks through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each piece enough space to fry properly, which helps maintain that crispy texture.
Following these tips will help you create a delightful Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken that everyone will love!
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Frying:
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes for preparation, followed by 20 minutes of cooking time. Totaling roughly 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want to make sure it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound each breast until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Grab three shallow dishes and set them up side by side:
– In the first dish, pour your all-purpose flour.
– In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and water until well blended.
– In the third dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and paprika. This will be your flavorful coating!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any excess flour. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, letting any extra eggs drip back into the bowl. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil or melted butter over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering. This will help give your chicken the perfect golden crust.
6. Cook the Chicken:
Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step—getting that gorgeous crust is worth it!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Once the chicken is nicely browned, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain juice and flavor. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Parmesan crusted chicken with your favorite sides!
Happy cooking! 🍗✨
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be a bit juicier and more flavorful, so it’s a great option if you prefer dark meat.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used in a pinch. For a gluten-free option, consider crushed cornflakes or almond flour for a different texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if necessary!
Can I Prep This Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken by breading it a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook it. This helps to infuse the flavors and makes for a quicker dinner time!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help restore its crispiness, instead of using the microwave.
