If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly marries rich flavors with satisfying crunch, the Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe creates an irresistible golden crust with parmesan cheese that locks in juicy, tender chicken inside. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Each bite delivers that perfect combo of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness that will have you craving more. Trust me, this is comfort food elevated to a whole new level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in building flavor and texture. From the sharp nuttiness of shredded parmesan to the richness of butter and olive oil, every component is essential for that beautiful crust and succulent interior.
- 500 g / 1 lb chicken breast (2 pieces): Make sure to halve or pound them evenly for uniform cooking.
- 1 egg: Acts as the glue that helps the parmesan stick to the chicken.
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional): Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
- 125 g / 4 oz / 1 1/4 cups shredded parmesan: The star ingredient for that undeniably crunchy, cheesy crust.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the crust perfectly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Balances the butter and prevents it from burning during cooking.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thinner steaks. If any pieces are thicker than about 3/4 inch, gently pound them for even thickness. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly while ensuring a consistent crust on every piece.
Step 2: Make the Egg Wash
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This mixture will help the parmesan adhere to the chicken while infusing subtle garlic flavor into the crust—worth adding even if optional!
Step 3: Prep the Parmesan
Place the shredded parmesan in a shallow bowl for easy dredging. The cheese will form the delicious outer layer that crisps up to golden wonder when cooked.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then press the cut side firmly into the parmesan bowl. Turn it over and press again, coating the other side thoroughly with cheese. Shake off excess parmesan gently and repeat with all chicken pieces. Pressing firmly here is key to building that thick, crispy crust you’re after.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet
Melt the butter and heat the olive oil together in a large skillet over high heat. The combo ensures the crust will crisp beautifully without burning, creating that golden brown exterior we all love.
Step 6: Cook Without Disturbing
Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and resist the urge to move them around immediately. This stillness allows the parmesan crust to bond well and crisp up into a firm, crunchy layer.
Step 7: Turn When Golden
After about 3 minutes, gently lift a corner to check for a deep golden brown color. Using tongs, flip each piece over and cook the other side to the same gorgeous crisp. Press lightly with a spatula to help the crust stay intact.
Step 8: Finish Cooking Quickly
Cook the chicken side two for about the same amount of time until crispy and golden. Avoid cooking longer than 6 minutes total to keep the chicken juicy and tender inside—not drying it out.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
Once your chicken is perfectly crisped, it’s best enjoyed hot right from the skillet! The crust is at its peak crunch and the flavors are simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this savory dish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. A squeeze of lemon over the chicken just before eating elevates the flavors and cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy cauliflower mash and a refreshing fennel slaw dressed with yogurt. The smooth mash contrasts with the crunch while the slaw adds a crisp, tangy balance to the hearty chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, hearty plate. It also works great as a protein-packed salad topping or wrapped in a warm pita with tzatziki for a twist on lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crust as crisp as possible, avoid stacking pieces on top of each other.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked parmesan crusted chicken for up to 1 month. Wrap each piece individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that fantastic crispy crust, reheat chicken in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, rather than microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?
Parmesan is preferred for its sharp flavor and excellent crisping ability, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or a hard aged cheddar. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary.
Is it necessary to use butter and olive oil together?
Using butter and olive oil together balances rich flavor with a higher smoke point to avoid burning the crust while achieving that perfect golden brown color.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Since this recipe uses parmesan as the crust, it naturally avoids breadcrumbs, making it a great naturally gluten-free option.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and gently tap with a meat mallet or rolling pin until uniform thickness is achieved.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Cook each side for about 3 minutes until the crust is golden and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—a safe internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is truly a game changer if you love quick, flavorful dishes with a crunchy twist. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make. I can’t recommend enough setting aside just a few minutes to whip this up because once you do, it will probably become one of your favorite chicken recipes too—just like it is for me!
