Print

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Print Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken offers golden, crunchy chicken coated with a rich parmesan crust infused with garlic and Italian herbs. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, delivering a savory, tender, and flavorful main dish that pleases the whole family. Enjoy it baked to crispy perfection or pan-fried for an extra crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds)

Crust Mixture

  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/nut substitutes for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend) or substitute with fresh parsley, rosemary, or basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Binding & Cooking

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling or pan-frying)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the crust adhere better and crisp up perfectly.
  2. Create the Parmesan Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together finely grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined and flavors are evenly distributed.
  3. Set Up the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. This will act as a sticky coating to hold the parmesan crust onto the chicken.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Then press it firmly into the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, making sure every side is covered evenly and the crust sticks well.
  5. Cook for Crispy Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking rack. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the crust for extra browning. Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Alternatively, pan-fry in a hot skillet with oil to achieve an even crunchier crust.

Notes

  • Dry chicken is key: Always pat chicken dry before breading for maximum crispiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan: Avoid pre-grated cheese which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper browning.
  • Do not overcrowd pan if frying: Allow space so chicken browns evenly instead of steaming.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch: They create a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Rest cooked chicken: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before cutting to retain juices.
  • Gluten-free variation: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
  • Spicy variation: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breading mix for heat.
  • Lemon zest addition: Add lemon zest to breading for a bright citrus flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, parmesan chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/crispy-parmesan-crusted-chicken/