Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Name: Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for frying

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely adore making Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken because it's the perfect combination of crunch and flavor. The first bite reveals a delightful contrast between the crispy coating and the tender chicken inside. It’s a dead simple dinner that impresses guests and satisfies the family alike. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, I find that it’s a recipe I return to often when I'm short on time but still want to serve something special.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-24T17:30:18.942Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly I could whip up an impressive dish with minimal effort. The secret lies in the combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, which not only adds a savory flavor but also forms that beloved crispy crust. I remember the first time I served it—it disappeared in minutes!

Another thing I learned through trial and error is that letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices, making every bite even more delicious. Now, I can’t imagine a weeknight dinner without this crowd-pleaser on the table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crunchy, golden crust that enhances the chicken's flavor
Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients
Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is undoubtedly the combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, which creates that irresistible crunch. Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor profile significantly compared to pre-packaged varieties, giving your chicken a richer taste. Additionally, you can use panko breadcrumbs for an even flakier texture if desired. This variation can elevate the crunch factor and make each bite delightfully crispy.

Eggs play a crucial role in this recipe as the binding agent that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken. It's essential to beat the eggs until they are frothy, as this introduces air, which results in a lighter, crispier coating. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water, or use aquafaba as an egg replacement, which will also create that necessary binding effect.

Cooking Technique Tips

When frying the chicken, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated over medium heat before adding the olive oil. This not only helps achieve that golden crust but also prevents the chicken from becoming greasy. A good test for oil readiness is to drop in a breadcrumbs; if it sizzles, you're good to go. Never overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken instead of a crispy coating.

It's vital to flip the chicken carefully during cooking. Use tongs to gently turn the pieces over, allowing them to cook evenly without tearing the coating. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts; aim for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. If the coating starts to darken too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning.

Serving and Storing Tips

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet, but if you're planning to make it ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes; this will help restore the crispiness without making it dry. Microwaving is an option, but it may result in a softer coating.

For serving, consider a side of tangy marinara sauce or a simple lemon wedge to brighten the dish. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables would complement the richness of the chicken well. If you want to turn it into a full meal, slice the chicken and serve it over pasta, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This transforms it into an impressive dinner perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for frying

Make sure all your ingredients are ready before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious chicken:

Prepare the Breading

In one bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. This setup will make the breading process smooth.

Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure every surface is well covered.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

Let it Rest

Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the coating crispy.

Enjoy your crispy chicken served with your favorite side!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding some Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the dish beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free version of Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken, replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Almond flour can add a slightly nutty flavor that works well with the Parmesan, and it still provides a delightful crunch. Also, for a low-carb alternative, you can use crushed pork rinds, which will give a similar crispy texture without the carbs.

Should you want to add extra flavor dimensions to the dish, consider mixing in some dried herbs like Italian seasoning or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture. Fresh herbs can also work; just chop them finely and combine them with the breadcrumbs for personalized flavor. This small adjustment can elevate your chicken, making it even more flavorful and aromatic.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

This dish is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation. You can bread the chicken breasts in advance and store them in the refrigerator for several hours before cooking. Just be sure to cover them well with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. This way, you have a quick meal prepped and ready to pop into the skillet when dinner time rolls around.

For longer storage, consider freezing the breaded chicken. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. Once frozen solid, you can transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you're ready to cook, there's no need to thaw; simply fry them longer in the skillet, adjusting the cooking time as necessary to ensure they're cooked through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue with Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the breading falling off during cooking. To prevent this, ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the egg mixture before dredging it in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken firmly to create a strong seal. If you notice the coating slipping off during cooking, it might be a sign that the oil isn't hot enough, which inhibits the breading from adhering properly.

Another potential problem can occur if your chicken comes out oily rather than crispy. This usually indicates that you’ve used too much oil, or the oil temperature was too low. If this happens, use a slotted spoon or tongs to lift the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels immediately after frying. This can help absorb excess oil and enhance the crispy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well too! Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes.

→ What sauces can I serve with this chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a fresh squeeze of lemon for brightness.