Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a crunchy, cheesy coating. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if pan-frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat each piece thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: For baking, place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Step 4: For pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until the crust is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright finish.
- Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the crust soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Just keep it covered to avoid drying out.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute if needed.
PrintCrispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and savory dish featuring chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of parmesan cheese, garlic, and breadcrumbs. This recipe delivers a golden, crispy crust while keeping the chicken juicy inside, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for baking or pan-frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. If the breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for uniform cooking.
- Make the coating mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Coat the chicken: Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter to help the coating adhere. Press each piece of chicken firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even and thorough crust on all sides.
- Cook the chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
– Oven baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet or a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
– Pan-frying: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the coating is crisp and golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve with your favorite sides such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
- For gluten-free options, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan or baking sheet to ensure even crisping.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain moisture and tenderness.
Keywords: crispy chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, baked chicken, parmesan chicken, crunchy chicken breast
