If you’re looking for a quick, crispy, and flavorful chicken recipe, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a must-try! With a golden, crunchy coating made from parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, this dish delivers juicy, tender chicken with a crispy outside.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this easy recipe is ready in 30 minutes or less. Serve it with a fresh salad, pasta, or roasted veggies for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Flavorful – Parmesan and breadcrumbs create the ultimate crunchy crust.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ High in Protein – A delicious and nutritious meal for the whole family.
✔ Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters love this crispy, cheesy chicken.
✔ Versatile – Pairs well with pasta, salads, or veggies for a balanced meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for frying)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick) using a meat mallet.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
In another bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
Press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook each chicken cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Fat: ~12g
Saturated Fat: ~4g
Fiber: ~1g
Sodium: ~500mg
Values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Health Benefits of Parmesan Crusted Chicken
🥩 High in Protein – Helps build muscle, keeps you full longer, and supports overall health.
🧀 Good Source of Calcium – Parmesan cheese provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
🔥 Lower in Carbs – Great for a balanced meal, especially if served with a salad or veggies instead of pasta.
🍽️ Customizable – You can make it gluten-free by using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Best Sides to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Pair this crispy chicken with:
- Garlic Butter Pasta – A simple yet flavorful side.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh and crunchy option.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting.
- Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Veggies – A healthier choice.
FAQs
1. Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb, gluten-free version.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful. Just pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it uncooked in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Cook when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the perfect easy meal for any night of the week! It’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it, this dish will be a hit with the whole family.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick) using a meat mallet.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- In another bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each chicken cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
