Description
This Crispy Cheesy Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful panko and parmesan crust, pan-fried to golden perfection, then baked with melted mozzarella cheese on top. It’s a deliciously crispy and cheesy dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Set up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat each piece for maximum crispiness.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. The chicken will not be fully cooked yet; the oven will finish cooking it.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy cheesy chicken!
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs helps achieve a light, super crispy crust.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to prevent them from falling off during frying and baking.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken in the skillet since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a lower fat version, you can bake the breaded chicken without frying, but the texture will be less crispy.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with other herbs like basil or oregano for garnish.
