Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Tender, Flavorful, and Crispy
Imagine biting into a juicy, parmesan crusted chicken breast. The crispy outside gives way to tender, flavorful meat. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, ready in just 20 minutes.
It combines crunchy breadcrumbs, savory parmesan cheese, and succulent chicken. You’ll love it from the first bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques.
Key Takeaways
- You can make parmesan crusted chicken in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- This recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs to create a crispy, flavorful crust.
- With 362 calories per serving, this dish is a relatively healthy option for a weeknight dinner.
- You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
- This parmesan crusted chicken recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for families or small gatherings.
- The combination of parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and chicken creates a satisfying crunch and flavor that’s sure to become a favorite.
- This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, requiring minimal cooking expertise and just a few basic ingredients.
The Magic of Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a tasty and flavorful dinner choice. It’s perfect for a family-friendly meal because it’s easy to make and ready in under an hour. You’ll need just 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it quick and delicious.
This recipe combines ingredients and cooking methods for a crispy outside and tender inside. The flavorful Parmesan cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs make it a hit for family-friendly dinners.
This dish is easy to prepare, flavorful, and family-friendly. It’s perfect for any family size, thanks to its quick cooking time and simple ingredients. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes from its ingredients and cooking methods. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese give a crispy outside, while the chicken stays juicy inside.
Key Benefits of This Dish
Some key benefits include:
- Ease of preparation
- Flavorful taste
- Family-friendly appeal
What Makes It Special
This dish is special because of its textures and flavors. The crunchy breadcrumbs and creamy Parmesan cheese create a delicious and flavorful meal.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results
To make a tasty Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you need top-notch ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The quality of these ingredients greatly affects the taste and texture of your dish.
The Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese. Also, using fresh chicken breasts makes your dish tender and juicy. The breadcrumbs give a crispy crust, and the seasonings enhance the flavor.

- 2 large chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
With these ingredients, you can make a homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s as good as restaurant food. The mix of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a crispy and tasty crust. The chicken breasts stay tender and juicy.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools makes the process easy and efficient. You’ll need a meat mallet, shallow bowls, and a large skillet.
These tools help you prepare the chicken cutlets and cook them perfectly in the oven-baked method.
Some optional tools can also be helpful. A food processor can grind breadcrumbs, and a thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked safely. With these tools, you can easily make a crispy and flavorful dish.

Using the right kitchen tools and equipment helps you make perfect oven-baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken. The key is to have the necessary tools to make the process easy and enjoyable.
Preparation and Seasoning Tips
To get a crispy crust on your Parmesan Crusted Chicken, follow some key steps. First, pound the chicken breasts to about ¼ to ⅓ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper to boost the flavor.
When setting up your breading station, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. This mix will give your chicken a crispy, flavorful crust. By doing this, you can make a tasty and crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a simple recipe.

Here are some extra tips to remember:
* Choose a high-quality breading mix with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
* Avoid overbreading the chicken to prevent a thick, heavy crust.
* Season the chicken lightly, as you can always add more salt and pepper later.
By following these tips, you can make a crispy, flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Its crispy crust and juicy inside make it a favorite dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
To make a tasty dinner, follow a few easy steps. First, prepare the chicken. This means coating it in flour, then eggs, and lastly breadcrumbs. This method makes the chicken crispy, perfect for a family meal.
Then, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings for the Parmesan crust. This crust adds a rich flavor to the chicken. You can also adjust the recipe to fit your family’s preferences, making it a great choice for dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook. It’s quick and easy for a weeknight dinner. The whole process takes 18 minutes, and it makes 4 servings.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 434 calories, 13g of carbs, 34g of protein, and 27g of fat. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 434 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 13g |
Protein | 34g |
Fat | 27g |
Achieving the Perfect Crispy Crust
To get a perfect crispy crust on your Parmesan Crusted Chicken, cook it in the oven at a high temperature. This method makes the crust crispy and golden, while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Bake at 400º Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes.
For a crispy crust, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This lets air circulate evenly around each piece. This easy oven-baked method avoids deep-frying, making it simple to get a crispy crust.
Some important tips to keep in mind include:
- Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit before baking.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to promote air circulation.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent even cooking.

By following these simple tips, you can easily achieve a crispy and flavorful crust on your Parmesan Crusted Chicken. The result is a deliciously easy and oven-baked dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken. You can make a flavorful and delicious meal by choosing the right sides and sauces. Most people like to pair it with pasta, while others prefer a side salad.
For a tasty meal, try serving the chicken with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts. Others enjoy it with garlic bread, quinoa, or a fresh cucumber salad. The goal is to mix flavors and textures well, so the chicken’s crispy, cheesy crust shines.

Marinara sauce is a favorite among 55% of people, but homemade sauces with fresh herbs and cheese are also popular. To make your dish look great, add fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serving with lemon wedges is a nice touch. These tips will help you make a flavorful and delicious meal that everyone will love.
Here are some popular side dish options to consider:
- Pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Quinoa
- Fresh cucumber salad
Recipe Variations and Adaptations
There are countless ways to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken. You can make a homemade version by changing seasonings, cheeses, and cooking methods. For an easy version, use pre-seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs to save time.
Many sources suggest using different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. You can also add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumbs. Try grilling or pan-frying for a crispy crust.

- Using ham or bacon for added smokiness
- Substituting mozzarella with cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile
- Adding broccoli florets alongside the chicken for increased vegetable intake
- Swapping chicken for eggplant Parmesan for a meatless version
By trying these variations, you can make a tasty and easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Whether you want something classic or new, the secret is to experiment and enjoy the process.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
To keep your Parmesan Crusted Chicken crispy, follow these storage and reheating tips. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This keeps the chicken fresh and the crust crispy.
For reheating, use the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook. Here are some reheating tips:
- Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 6-8 minutes
- Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through
- Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Chicken for days. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F.

Here is a summary of the storage and reheating guidelines in a table format:
Storage Method | Storage Duration |
---|---|
Refrigerator | Up to 3-4 days |
Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When making Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you might face some common problems. These can make your dish less crispy and flavorful. To fix these issues, it’s key to troubleshoot them. A soggy coating is a common problem. It can be solved by cooking the chicken at the right temperature and for the right time.
Another issue is uneven cooking. This can be fixed by cooking the chicken in a single layer and flipping it halfway. These tips will help you make a tasty homemade meal that everyone will love.

To fix mistakes like overcooking or undercooking, adjust the cooking time and temperature. Here are some more tips to remember:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it can make the chicken steam instead of sear.
- Use the right cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, for the best taste.
- Avoid overmixing the breading, as it can make it dense and heavy.
By following these tips, you can make a homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s crispy and delicious. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll master this dish. Then, you can enjoy it with your loved ones.
Conclusion
Parmesan crusted chicken is a tasty and simple dish to make. It has a crispy crust that goes well with the soft chicken. Each serving has about 650 calories, making it a good choice for dinner.
The flavors of parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning make it irresistible. You can also make it gluten-free or use lactose-free cheese. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, veggies, or a salad, making it a full meal.
In short, parmesan-crusted chicken is great for dinner and family meals. Its crispy crust and tender chicken are loved by many. Try it out and enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness!
FAQ
What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken and how does it taste?
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What ingredients do I need to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
What kitchen tools and equipment do I need to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
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What is the step-by-step cooking method for Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
How do I achieve the perfect crispy crust on Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
What are some serving suggestions and pairings for Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Can I adapt the recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken to suit my tastes and preferences?
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Tender, Flavorful, and Crispy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated with a golden, crispy crust made from a blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, offering bold flavor and satisfying crunch with minimal ingredients and prep time.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), pounded to ¼–⅓ inch thick
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Pound and Season: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Bread the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Press chicken into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Cook: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken piece for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Finish in the Oven: Transfer chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, use a wire rack over your baking sheet.
Toss the chicken in flour and egg wash before breadcrumb coating for a thicker crust.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking (with stovetop searing)
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: parmesan crusted chicken, baked chicken, crispy chicken breast, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, family-friendly meals
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