There’s nothing quite like the combination of crispy, golden-brown coating and juicy, tender chicken. Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those meals that feels restaurant-quality but is surprisingly simple to make at home. It’s quick, flavorful, and pairs well with just about any side dish. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or an easy dinner that still feels special, this recipe delivers.

What makes this dish so good? The Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs create the perfect crunchy crust, while a quick sear in olive oil locks in all the flavor. Then, a short trip to the oven ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Best of all, it’s made with pantry-friendly ingredients and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.

Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Flavorful – The Parmesan-breadcrumb coating creates the perfect crunchy bite.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love.
• Pairs with Anything – Serve it with salad, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start, let’s gather everything we need:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into thinner cutlets for even cooking.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, savory flavor and crispiness.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps form the perfect crunchy crust.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall taste.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of dried herbs for extra depth.
• 1 large egg – Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons milk – Thins out the egg mixture for better coverage.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for pan-searing to achieve that golden crust.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a smooth transition from stovetop to oven, allowing the chicken to cook evenly.

Next, take your chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. This step helps the chicken cook faster and ensures a crispy coating without overcooking the inside.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

You’ll need two shallow dishes for this step:

1. Egg Mixture – In the first dish, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined. This helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
2. Parmesan-Breadcrumb Mixture – In the second dish, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This combination creates the perfect crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat the chicken.

• Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered.
• Then, dredge it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
• Repeat for all four pieces, making sure they are evenly coated.

This double-layer method gives the chicken an extra crispy and flavorful crust.

How to Achieve the Perfect Crispy Parmesan Crust

Now that our chicken is coated in that delicious Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, it’s time to cook it to crispy perfection. The key to this recipe is a quick pan-sear followed by a short bake in the oven. This method ensures that the outside gets beautifully golden while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

If you’ve ever struggled with soggy breading or dry chicken, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through exactly how to get that crispy, golden-brown crust every single time.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

To get started, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking.

Once the oil is ready, place the breaded chicken cutlets into the skillet. Be sure to leave space between each piece so they crisp up properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of getting that nice, crispy crust.

Sear the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the coating turns golden brown. You’re not trying to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage—just creating that crisp, flavorful outer layer.

Tip: If you notice the coating browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning before the crust has a chance to fully develop.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Once the chicken is seared, it’s time to finish it in the oven.

• If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer it to your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven.
• If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, carefully move the chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before placing it in the oven.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The short baking time ensures the chicken stays juicy while allowing the crust to firm up even more.

How to Know When It’s Done:

• Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F.
• The juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken.
• The coating should be golden brown and crispy, not soggy.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it extra moist.

Now, all that’s left to do is decide what to serve with it!

What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This crispy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are always a perfect match.
• Garlic Butter Pasta – A simple, buttery pasta lets the chicken shine.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for a healthy balance.
• Crisp Green Salad – A fresh, lemony salad cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Marinara Sauce – Serve the chicken with a side of marinara for an Italian-inspired meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you dive into making this Parmesan Crusted Chicken, let’s go over some common questions to ensure you get the best results every time.

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven since they are typically thicker than chicken breasts. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. How do I keep the breading from falling off?

A few key tips will help keep the coating intact:

• Pat the chicken dry before dipping it in the egg mixture.
• Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to help it adhere.
• Let the breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow the coating to set.

3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes! If you need an egg-free version, try using buttermilk or plain yogurt instead of the egg mixture. Both work well as a binder to help the breading stick.

4. Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray. Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to crisp it up again.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes.
• Microwave: This works in a pinch but may soften the crust. Heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

6. Can I freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Yes! After cooking, let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.

Conclusion: Try This Crispy, Flavorful Chicken Tonight!

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and juicy—everything you want in a quick and easy meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Pair it with your favorite side dishes, add a dipping sauce, or even slice it up for sandwiches or salads. However you serve it, this dish is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! Have any fun variations or side dish ideas? I’d love to hear them!

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