Crispy Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy
Juicy chicken breasts take on a delightful crispy parmesan crusted chicken recipe coating that promises pure comfort on a plate.
The golden-brown exterior crackles with every bite, revealing tender meat beneath.
Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, salty parmesan that forms an irresistible crust.
Each piece emerges from the oven with a beautiful golden sheen that hints at the deliciousness waiting inside.
Weeknight dinners suddenly become something special when you serve up this crowd-pleasing dish.
Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.
Let’s find out this mouthwatering recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.
Storing Parmesan Chicken for Future Meals
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken remains delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or lower.
Freezing Magic: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Frozen Parmesan crusted chicken maintains excellent quality for up to 2 months when stored correctly.
Reheating Wisdom: Revive chilled chicken by warming in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy parmesan crust and prevent moisture loss.
Meal Prep Power: Prepare chicken pieces ahead of time and store uncooked, breaded chicken between parchment paper layers in refrigerator. Cook within 24 hours for maximum freshness and optimal flavor profile.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 338 kcal
Servings: 5
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ingredient Essentials
For Coating and Flavor:
Flour: Helps create a smooth base for the breading and ensures better adhesion of other ingredients.
Eggs: Acts as a sticky binding agent to help breadcrumbs and cheese adhere to the chicken.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy texture and golden crunch to the chicken's exterior.
Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a savory, crispy crust.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that enhances the overall taste profile.
Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the chicken's seasoning.
For Seasoning and Balance:
Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that highlight and balance the other flavors in the dish.
For Cooking and Moisture:
Olive Oil: Enables even browning, prevents sticking, and adds a subtle fruity richness to the chicken.
Chicken Breasts: The main protein that becomes a tender, flavorful centerpiece of the meal. Choose fresh, uniform-sized breasts for consistent cooking.
Tools for Parmesan Crusted Chicken Prep
Large Skillet: Preferably oven-proof for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking.
Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken safely.
Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly cutting chicken in half lengthwise.
Paper Towels: Perfect for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
Three Mixing Bowls: Needed for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving chicken pieces in the skillet.
Instructions to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Oven Preparation Warm up your kitchen buddy (the oven) to a toasty 400°F and position the rack toward the upper third of the space.
Chicken Transformation Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create four delicate pieces. Pat them dry with a clean towel and sprinkle with flavor enhancers like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coating Station Create three magical zones: one for flour, another for whisked eggs, and a final destination mixing panko crumbs with parmesan and Italian herbs.
Skillet Setup Heat olive oil in a trusty oven-safe skillet over medium flames, preparing for the chicken adventure.
Chicken Dress-Up Carefully dunk each chicken piece through the flour, egg, and breadcrumb stations, gently shaking off extra coating between transitions.
Golden Browning Dance Sizzle chicken pieces in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden tan, then transfer to a waiting plate.
Oven Finish Transfer the entire skillet with chicken into the preheated oven. Let everything cook through for about five minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.
Serving Moment Plate up your crispy, cheesy creation and enjoy immediately while it's piping hot and deliciously crunchy.
Tips for Golden and Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and help breading stick perfectly.
Replace panko with regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for different texture variations without compromising overall flavor profile.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy meat.
Experiment by adding smoked paprika, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into breadcrumb mixture for extra depth and personal touch to the classic recipe.
Store leftover chicken in airtight container within refrigerator for up to three days, gently reheating in oven to preserve original crispy coating instead of using microwave which can make breading soggy.
Serving Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perfectly
Flavor Fusion Companions: Pair this crispy parmesan chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or zesty lemon-herb rice for a complete meal that elevates every bite.
Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss together a bright mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, golden chicken and add refreshing crunch.
Sauce Celebration: Whip up a quick dipping sauce like tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic marinara to complement the parmesan crust and add an extra layer of delicious excitement to your plate.
Weekend Meal Transformation: Slice the chicken and layer it over pasta, create a gourmet sandwich, or crumble it into a hearty salad for delightful meal prep and versatile leftovers that keep your taste buds guessing.
Parmesan crusted chicken delivers a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece packed with rich Italian flavors. Cheesy coating and perfectly seasoned chicken make this simple dinner an irresistible meal you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
2 large chicken breasts
½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
⅔ cup (150 ml) panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup (60 ml) flour
2 eggs
3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil, divided
½ heaping tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F, positioning rack in top third. Slice chicken breasts horizontally into four even portions, ensuring they are thoroughly pat dried.
Seasoning: Generously season chicken pieces with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper on both sides. Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third combining panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Coating Process: Meticulously dredge each chicken piece through flour, submerge in egg wash, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture, creating an even, complete coating. Shake off excess breading between stages.
Searing: Heat olive oil in oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken pieces, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crust. Transfer first batch to plate, adding additional oil if necessary for subsequent pieces.
Baking: Arrange browned chicken evenly in skillet without overlapping. Transfer to preheated oven and bake 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with meat thermometer.
Finishing: Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest 2-3 minutes for juice redistribution. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
Notes
Moisture Management: Pat chicken completely dry to help breading stick perfectly and create a crispy, golden exterior.
Coating Technique: Dredge methodically through flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess between each step for an even, crunchy crust.
Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat when browning to develop a beautiful golden color without burning the delicate breading.
Resting Period: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and preventing dry meat.
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.
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
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
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.