This Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a tasty dish with juicy chicken coated in crispy, cheesy goodness. It’s quick to make and perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish, but you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a juicier flavor, or even use cutlets to reduce cooking time.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano or a combination of any hard cheese you have on hand.
Italian Breadcrumbs: They add great flavor, but if you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs will work too. You can even make your own by grinding up stale bread and mixing with Italian herbs.
Garlic Powder and Oregano: These spices add flavor, but feel free to use fresh garlic or other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist—whatever you prefer!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken Coating?
Achieving a crispy coating is all about technique and temperature. First, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken helps them stick better during cooking.
- Make sure your oil or butter is hot before adding the chicken; this ensures a golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet as it can lower the temperature and make the coating soggy.
- Baking after frying helps to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the outside, so follow the oven step closely.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter for frying
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need another 15-20 minutes for cooking and baking. In total, you can have a flavorful meal ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
First, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give it a quick stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Prepare Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until you have a smooth mixture. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken later on.
4. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. If you’d like thinner cutlets, you can gently pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin for better cooking.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Dive each chicken breast into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Next, press them into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating them evenly. Make sure to press down gently so the breadcrumbs stick well.
6. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Bake for Perfect Texture:
Now, transfer the chicken breasts to your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You want to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
8. Garnish & Serve:
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing!
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor to the dish. Just make sure to check that they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as well.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano or a mix of hard cheeses like Grana Padano. For a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast mixed with breadcrumbs for a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, making sure not to overcook them to maintain their crispy coating.
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken up to the frying step. Just coat it and then store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. When ready to cook, just fry and bake according to the instructions.
