This Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and tasty meal! The chicken is coated in a crunchy blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, giving it a yummy flavor!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! I love to serve it with a side of veggies for a delicious dinner that feels fancy but is super easy. Who said cooking has to be hard? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use turkey cutlets if you prefer.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives that wonderful flavor! If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well too, or you can use a mix of any hard aged cheese.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs or panko will work too. You can also make your own by crushing stale bread!
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick to the chicken. If you’re avoiding eggs, a mixture of flour and water or a flax seed meal with water can be a good alternative.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a nice crispiness when frying. You could also use butter for a richer flavor, or even avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point.
How Do I Get a Crispy Coating on My Chicken?
Getting that perfect crispy coating is all about technique! Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out amazing:
- Flatten the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. This helps the coating stay crisp as well!
- Make sure to coat each chicken breast thoroughly in the egg first, then press it into the breadcrumb mix. This ensures the breadcrumbs adhere nicely.
- For frying, ensure the oil is hot before you add the chicken. This helps seal the coating quickly and gives you that crunch.
- If baking, don’t skip the light oil spray or drizzle; it helps the coating crisp without frying.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- Cooking spray or additional oil for baking (if baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes for cooking (depending on the method). If you are baking, just pop it in the oven and relax while it cooks. It’s a quick and enjoyable meal to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
If you want to bake the chicken, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be nice and hot for when you’re ready to cook!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy!
3. Make the Coating Mix:
In a shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This will be the tasty crust!
4. Beat the Eggs:
In another shallow bowl, crack the two eggs and beat them lightly with a fork. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Now, take each chicken breast and first dip it in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Repeat with all the chicken pieces.
6. Choose Your Cooking Method:
For Frying: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
For Baking: Lay the coated chicken breasts on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle some olive oil on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
7. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken warm, paired with your favorite sides. It’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative; they tend to be juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time if they’re thicker than the breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this Parmesan crusted chicken gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just ensure all your other ingredients, including the Parmesan, are also labeled gluten-free.
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Try serving it with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. It’s also delicious with mashed potatoes or a side of rice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven to maintain that crispy coating, or you can microwave it for a quick meal—just be mindful it might not stay as crispy.
