This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a total winner! It features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy mix of parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and tasty seasonings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets work too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you can use pre-grated if needed. For a twist, try using Pecorino Romano, which is sharper.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko breadcrumbs because they add extra crunchiness. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but won’t be quite as crispy.
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick to the chicken. If you want a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened).
Milk: This is mixed with the eggs for moisture. Any milk (cow, almond, oat) can be used here; I like almond milk for a nutty hint.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The secret to a great crispy coating lies in the preparation and cooking method. Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly.
- Pound the Chicken: Make sure your chicken is even in thickness (about ½ inch) so it cooks evenly.
- Coating Technique: Dip chicken in egg first, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Frying: Heat the oil well before adding the chicken. A good sizzle means you’re frying at the right temperature!
- Baking: Finish off in the oven to cook through without burning the crust. It also keeps the chicken juicy!
It’s all about taking your time with each step, so don’t rush and enjoy the process! Your crispy Parmesan crusted chicken will be a hit at the dinner table!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or as needed for frying)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need 10 minutes of prep time to get everything ready and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
2. Flatten the Chicken:
Using plastic wrap or parchment paper, place each chicken breast in between sheets. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about ½ inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly, making it tender and juicy.
3. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined!
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This will help the coating stick to the chicken nicely.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture first. Let any extra drip off. Then, roll it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press it down gently to make sure the coating sticks well for that crispy finish!
6. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Bake for Extra Juiciness:
Now transfer the browned chicken breasts onto your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check; it should read 165°F (74°C) to be safe and cooked through.
8. Let it Rest:
After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This step helps keep the juices in, making every bite extra delicious.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your crispy chicken with fresh parsley and serve it up with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon adds a lovely freshness to the dish!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Parmesan crusted chicken! Perfect for dinner or impressing guests!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and give you a juicier result. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use regular breadcrumbs instead, but the texture may be a little less crispy. If you have stale bread, you can also make your own breadcrumbs in a food processor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and coat it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave if you’re short on time!
