Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates a golden, crispy crust that’s loaded with savory goodness. It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken, as it’s baked rather than deep-fried, yet still gives you that satisfying crunch. The juicy chicken paired with the cheesy, crispy coating is a surefire way to please everyone at the table, making it perfect for busy nights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the coating:

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

3. Prepare the chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks better.
In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, coating it evenly on both sides.

4. Coat the chicken:

Dredge the egg-coated chicken breasts in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Coat both sides thoroughly.

5. Bake the chicken:

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each chicken breast to help it crisp up during baking.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy. If desired, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking to get an even crispier crust.

6. Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust, mix a little mozzarella cheese with the Parmesan and breadcrumbs. This will add more gooeyness to the coating.
Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic twist.
Almond-Crusted Chicken: For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with finely ground almonds or almond flour.
Lemon Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture and serve the chicken with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat the chicken in an air fryer for extra crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will have a slightly richer flavor and may take a little longer to cook—check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking. Coat the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. When ready to bake, just follow the cooking instructions.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the crust a lighter, crispier texture. If you use regular breadcrumbs, the crust may be a bit denser.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. The coating should be golden and crispy, and the chicken should be juicy and tender inside.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken. The simple yet flavorful ingredients create a delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy crust and juicy chicken in every bite!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe