There is nothing quite like a golden, crispy, and utterly flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe to brighten up any meal. This dish brings together the irresistible crunch of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and the tender juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken breasts, making it a go-to comfort food that never fails to impress. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for serving guests, blending simple ingredients into a sensational feast. Once you try this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again as a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is refreshingly simple, but every single component plays a vital role in building up a well-balanced dish. From savory seasonings to luscious butter, these essentials help create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that will keep you coming back for seconds.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat that crisps beautifully when coated.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the Parmesan cheese stick to the chicken evenly.
- 1 tablespoon water: Lightens up the egg wash so it coats the chicken smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of savory punch to the coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle warmth and seasoning kick.
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (not grated): Essential for creating the signature crispy, golden crust with a rich umami flavor.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious richness for frying and browning the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and prevents sticking.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Brings a fresh pop of color and mild herbal brightness to finish the plate.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting each chicken breast in half. This not only helps them cook evenly but also makes for a more manageable portion. Then, gently pound each piece to about half an inch thickness for consistent cooking and a tender bite. This simple prep step ensures your chicken will be juicy and perfectly cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Egg Wash
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water until smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to infuse the wash with flavor. This mixture will coat the chicken pieces and act as the glue that holds the Parmesan cheese in place, delivering flavor into every bite.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Parmesan
Pour the shredded Parmesan cheese into another shallow bowl. Dip each pounded chicken piece first into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then press it gently into the Parmesan cheese, coating all sides thoroughly. Make sure to shake off any extra cheese to prevent burning during cooking. This step is what creates that irresistible crispy crust.
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place each coated chicken piece in the skillet, leaving enough room so they aren’t overcrowded. Avoid moving the chicken while cooking; let it develop a crispy, golden crust—about 3 minutes per side. Lightly press down with your spatula for even contact and flip carefully to cook the other side until it looks beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve While Hot
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. If you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch of color and freshness. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic finishing touch, adding a burst of vibrant green color and a subtle herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also be delightful, cutting through the richness and elevating the dish with a bright, zesty accent.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta complement the crispy chicken wonderfully. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus balances the plate with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken breast and fanning the pieces over a bed of herbed rice or sautéed spinach to create a restaurant-worthy presentation at home. You can also serve these crispy chicken pieces atop a fresh Caesar salad for a satisfying twist on the classic combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the chicken sealed properly helps preserve its moisture and prevents the crust from becoming soggy too soon.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This method keeps the texture intact for up to two months, perfect for quick meals down the road.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is to use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. This warms the chicken through while helping preserve or even revive the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust chewy.
FAQs
Can I use grated Parmesan instead of shredded?
For this recipe, shredded Parmesan is ideal because it adheres better and creates a crunchier crust. Grated Parmesan is finer and may not provide the same texture or hold as well during cooking.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding ensures even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay tender. If your chicken breasts are already thin and uniform, you can skip this step, but it’s recommended for the best results.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) on a greased sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through is a great alternative if you want a lighter version.
What can I use instead of butter in the recipe?
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can swap butter for more olive oil or use a plant-based margarine. Just keep in mind that butter adds flavor and helps with browning, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking time varies slightly but usually 3 minutes per side works well for the thickness called for in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make and share. It’s incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and comes together without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — once you try this recipe, it will likely become one of your trusty staples in the kitchen too!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful egg wash and a generous layer of shredded Parmesan cheese, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Ready in just 22 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Coating & Cooking
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (not grated)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally and then pound each piece to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water until well blended. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the mixture and whisk again until combined.
- Coat in Parmesan: Place 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to help the cheese adhere. Flip and repeat for the other side and shake off any excess cheese.
- Pan-Fry: Heat 4 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook them without moving for about 3 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Gently press down on the chicken with a spatula, then carefully flip to cook the other side until golden and the chicken is cooked through, about another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use shredded Parmesan cheese, not grated, for better coating adherence and texture.
- To ensure chicken cooks evenly, pound the breasts to an even thickness before coating.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can finish the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to avoid sticking and ensure a golden crust.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated carefully to maintain crispiness.
