This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a tasty treat that’s super easy to whip up! With a crunchy topping of golden parmesan, it’s a delightful twist on a classic dish.
I love how the chicken stays juicy inside while the outside gets perfectly crispy. Serve it with a side salad, and you’ve got a winner of a meal for any night! 🍗🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even turkey breasts if you prefer. Both options work well!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives the chicken its signature flavor and crisp. If dairy is a concern, go for nutritional yeast as the perfect flavorful substitute. Alternatively, pecorino romano can also provide a similar taste with a bit more tang.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite because they add a light, crunchy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be used too, but for extra crunch, consider using crushed cornflakes or even ground almonds for a gluten-free twist!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the crust. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use a mix of water and ground flax or chia seeds (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) as a replacement.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Crust?
Achieving that perfect crispy crust primarily comes down to the dredging technique and frying method. Here’s how:
- Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness; this ensures it cooks evenly and helps the crust stick better.
- Dredging in flour first helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere properly. Avoid skipping this step!
- After coating in breadcrumbs, press down slightly, ensuring that the mixture clings well to the chicken.
- Fry the chicken in hot oil before baking. This initial cooking creates a crust that seals the juices inside!
- Finally, bake the chicken to finish cooking through. This ensures you maintain that crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Time Needed:
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe takes approximately 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. This will help ensure your chicken doesn’t stick!
2. Set Up Your Dredging Stations:
Next, prepare three shallow bowls for the dredging process: In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the two eggs well. In the third bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Prep the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and ensures the crust gets crispy. It’s a great way to tenderize the meat too!
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to dredge! First, dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, covering it completely. Finally, coat the chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the crust sticks well on both sides. Set the coated chicken aside for a moment.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. This step adds amazing flavor and texture!
6. Bake:
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and fully cooked.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty flavor!
Enjoy your crispy, golden Parmesan crusted chicken! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a flavorful alternative. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless to achieve the best results similar to the recipe. They may also require a slightly longer cooking time due to their thicker nature.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular panko. You can also replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging, ensuring you can enjoy the crispy goodness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for a crispy texture. Microwaving can make them soggy, so it’s best to avoid that method if you can!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes! You can coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before cooking. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to your searing time if it’s cold from the fridge, as this will help it cook evenly!
