Vibrant Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Parmesan Crusted Chicken Delight Recipe For Dinner

Succulent chicken meets a crispy parmesan crusted chicken delight that transforms an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering experience.

Golden-brown edges promise a delectable crunch with every bite.

Tender chicken breasts provide the perfect canvas for this irresistible coating.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a restaurant-worthy meal.

The parmesan crust adds a rich, savory dimension that makes this dish truly special.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 23 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Parmesan Crusted Chicken Delight

For Marinade:
  • Olive Oil: Helps infuse flavor and tenderize chicken while creating a silky coating.
  • Ranch Dressing: Adds creamy tang and helps herbs stick to chicken.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and helps tenderize meat.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens overall taste and helps break down chicken proteins.
  • Minced Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic base note to marinade.
  • Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthy undertone.
For Coating:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates ultra-crispy, light exterior with delightful crunch.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty flavor and helps create golden crust.
  • Provolone Cheese: Contributes smooth, mild melting quality.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances savory profile with concentrated garlic essence.
  • Salt: Balances and heightens overall seasoning.
For Finishing:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures even browning and prevents sticking during cooking.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, golden color and additional flavor complexity.
  • Salt: Fine-tunes final seasoning for perfect taste balance.

Equipment for Crusting and Cooking Parmesan Chicken

  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and whisking ingredients smoothly.
  • Skillet: Essential for searing chicken to golden-brown perfection.
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Great for gently pounding chicken breasts evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Dish: Needed for finishing chicken in the oven.
  • Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients thoroughly.
  • Spatula: Useful for flipping chicken and transferring between pans.

Easy Instructions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Flavor Foundation

Craft a zesty marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering sensation. Blend together a mix of tangy and savory ingredients to create a delicious bath for the chicken.

  • Chicken Preparation

Gently flatten chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Season with a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the natural flavors.

  • Marinating Magic

Immerse the chicken in the prepared marinade, allowing it to soak up the delicious flavors. Let it rest for maximum taste absorption, ideally for several hours or overnight.

  • Searing Perfection

Heat a skillet to create a golden, crispy exterior. Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful brown crust and is cooked through completely.

  • Cheesy Topping Transformation

Create a decadent cheese mixture combining rich Parmesan and creamy Provolone with a hint of ranch dressing. Spread this luxurious blend generously over the seared chicken.

  • Crunchy Panko Crown

Develop a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a touch of garlic powder. Sprinkle this golden mixture over the cheesy chicken.

  • Final Flourish

Slide the prepared chicken into a hot oven. Watch as the cheese melts and the panko turns into a gorgeous golden-brown crust, creating a truly irresistible dish that will make taste buds dance with joy.

Flavor Tips and Recipe Twists for Parmesan Chicken

  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or aged gouda to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • For extra tenderness, try buttermilk or yogurt-based marinades that help break down chicken proteins and infuse deeper flavor into the meat.
  • Replace panko with crushed corn flakes or crushed potato chips for an unexpected crunch that adds exciting texture to your chicken.
  • Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or cheese topping for those who love a spicy kick.
  • Swap vegetable oil for olive oil, use whole wheat panko, and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to create a more nutritious version of this delightful chicken dish.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Delight

  • Cheesy Chicken Companion Plate: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery herb rice to complement the rich, crispy chicken flavors.
  • Crisp & Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the parmesan-crusted chicken.
  • Family-Style Feast Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini for a colorful and nutritious meal presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Wonder: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the cheesy, savory notes of the chicken and cut through its richness.

Planning and Storing Leftover Chicken Delight

  • Advance Prep Strategy: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance deep flavor profiles and tenderness. Refrigerate immediately after marinating to maintain food safety standards.
  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and store extra cooked chicken in sealed containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated chicken remains delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken portions in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains excellent quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm leftover chicken in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy panko coating. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture and preserve original crunchiness.
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Vibrant Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Parmesan crusted chicken delight brings crispy, golden perfection to weeknight dinners with simple Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Generous cheese coating and herbs create a mouthwatering main dish that makes dinner special for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts, pounded
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup provolone cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) ranch dressing
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) ranch dressing
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) melted unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsps garlic powder
  • ¾ tbsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk marinade ingredients in a large bowl until completely combined, creating a smooth, flavorful base.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Pound chicken breasts to uniform 1/2-inch thickness, lightly seasoning with kosher salt to enhance natural flavors.
  3. Marination Process: Submerge chicken in prepared marinade, refrigerating for 30 minutes to 12 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
  4. Searing Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, carefully cooking chicken until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
  5. Cheese Coating: Create a creamy blend of Parmesan, Provolone, and ranch dressing, spreading evenly over seared chicken breasts to ensure complete coverage.
  6. Crispy Topping Creation: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and sea salt, generously sprinkling over cheese-covered chicken to develop a textured, golden crust.
  7. Final Broiling: Position chicken in a 450°F (235°C) oven on low broil, watching carefully for 3-5 minutes until cheese bubbles and breadcrumbs turn a rich golden-brown.
  8. Resting Period: Remove from oven and let chicken rest 2-3 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to settle before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate Wisely: Longer marination (up to 12 hours) intensifies flavor depth, but avoid exceeding 12 hours to prevent chicken from becoming mushy.
  • Pound Perfectly: Consistent 1/2-inch thickness ensures even cooking and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
  • Watch Broiling Closely: Broiling can quickly burn the topping, so monitor the chicken every 30 seconds to achieve golden-brown perfection without charring.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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