Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breasts offer a deliciously crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. With the perfect balance of garlic-infused olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs, this dish delivers bold flavors in every bite. The easy-to-follow steps make it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, while the crispy crust makes this chicken irresistible. Serve it with your favorite sides for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the garlic-infused coating:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
For the savory crust mixture:
- 1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
- ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. - Season the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with a light sprinkle of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. - Set Up the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow bowls:- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: A mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil. Stir the mixture to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure it is completely coated on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side or until the coating is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Use tongs to flip the chicken, pressing gently to ensure even browning. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the coating from burning. - Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. - Serve:
Serve the crispy Parmesan chicken immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Herbs: You can customize the crust mixture by adding other dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture to give the chicken a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations: Try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese in place of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Oven Baked Version: If you prefer, you can bake the breaded chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover crispy Parmesan chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To retain the crispiness, reheat the chicken in an air fryer or in a skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side. You can also microwave it, but the coating may lose its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well. They may take a bit longer to cook depending on the thickness, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and the recipe will work just as deliciously.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken breasts and refrigerate them for up to an hour before cooking. This allows the breading to set, giving you an even crunch when cooked.
What can I serve with this crispy Parmesan chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad.
Can I freeze this crispy chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before cooking. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To cook, simply air fry or pan-fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Can I add a dipping sauce for the chicken?
Yes! This crispy Parmesan chicken goes great with dipping sauces like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breasts are a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and savory goodness. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for any night of the week and is sure to become a family favorite. With its golden, crispy coating and juicy interior, it’s a perfect way to elevate your chicken dinner to a whole new level!
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Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breasts feature a golden, crunchy coating of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, paired with juicy, tender chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasions, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Serve with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the garlic-infused coating:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
For the savory crust mixture:
1 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness.
-
Season the Chicken: Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
-
Set Up the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried basil.
-
Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast with flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.
-
Serve: Serve immediately with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan. Pair with your favorite sides.
Notes
Add other dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the crust for more flavor.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
You can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
