Simply Irresistible Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
If you’re craving a dinner that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, then look no further than this Simply Irresistible Parmesan-Crusted Chicken! With a perfectly golden crust and juicy, tender chicken inside, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The secret is in the Parmesan coating that adds a deliciously savory crunch to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite at your table. Ready to make a simple, yet stunning meal that everyone will love? Let’s get started!
PARMESAN-CRUSTED CHICKEN BREAST
I’ve been making this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast for a long time and it’s a recipe that I love coming back to time and time again because it’s a crowd-pleaser. There’s just something so good about a parmesan crust, trust me, there’s so much to love about this recipe.
If I don’t feel like a salad I like to serve this parmesan-crusted chicken with a side of rice or Honey Garlic Glazed Roasted Carrots, and if I have time, I’ll add in a vegetable like brussels sprouts, my Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon or a simple salad.
INGREDIENTS to make parmesan-crusted chicken breast
Parmesan Crust Ingredients:
- 2 Chicken Breasts (cut into cutlets): Tender, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets for quicker cooking and a perfect crust-to-chicken ratio.
- 1/2 Cup Dry Breadcrumbs: Adds a classic, crisp texture to the crust, helping it adhere to the chicken.
- 1/2 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that give the crust an extra crispy finish.
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to balance the richness of the cheese and breadcrumbs.
- 1 Tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients and ensures a well-seasoned crust.
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper: A touch of spice to complement the savory flavors in the crust.
- ¼ Tsp Lemon Zest (from one lemon): Adds a hint of citrus brightness that elevates the overall flavor of the chicken.
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated): The star of the crust, offering a nutty, salty flavor and a deliciously crisp, cheesy coating.
Wet Batter Ingredients:
- 2 Egg Whites: Acts as a binding agent to help the crust adhere to the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
- 2 Tsp Cornstarch: Adds a slight thickness to the batter, creating a smooth base for the crust to stick to.
- 1/2 Lemon (juiced): Adds a tangy, fresh flavor to the batter, balancing the richness of the chicken and crust.
Other:
- ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil (for frying): Used to cook the chicken to a perfect golden brown, providing the essential heat and fat for a crispy crust.
HOW TO PREPARE PARMESAN-CRUSTED CHICKEN?
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Prepare the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets. Lightly season each piece with salt and black pepper on both sides. Set aside. - Prepare Parmesan Crust and Wet Batter:
In a shallow dish, combine the dry breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cornstarch, and lemon juice until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken cutlet into the wet batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then press each cutlet firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the coated cutlets on a plate and set aside. - Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of breadcrumb dropped in will sizzle immediately. - Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken cutlets in the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. You may need to fry the cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat to ensure correct doneness. - Drain and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of the Parmesan-crusted chicken! - Optional Step:
For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the cooked chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Ensure the chicken is well-coated in the wet batter before dredging it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them adhere.
Yes, you can bake it! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.
Use a combination of regular and panko breadcrumbs for added texture, and ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
Yes, you can cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C), spray the chicken with a bit of cooking spray and air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
CRISPY pARMESAN CHICKEN RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Chicken Cutlets: Substitute with chicken thighs, turkey cutlets. or tofu for a different protein option.
- Breadcrumbs: Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Egg Whites: Substitute with buttermilk or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Oil for Frying: Use avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor and higher smoke point.
- Seasoning: Incorporate spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a flavor twist.
- Lemon Zest: Replace with lime zest for a citrusy variation that brightens the dish.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH PARMESAN CRISPY CHICKEN?
Parmesan-crusted chicken goes great with many sides, making any meal better. You can pair it with roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli and asparagus with hearty options like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto. For something lighter, add slices of the chicken to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, topped with a simple vinaigrette. It also works well with pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti aglio e olio. Grains like quinoa or couscous are nice, too. Plus, a dip in marinara or a creamy herb sauce can really enhance the flavor. Adding the chicken to a salad makes it more filling and gives your greens a tasty crunch!
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER parmesan chicken breast?
Storing chicken is easy. Just place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat I find it best to use the air fryer if you have one but it’s also great to place them on a cookie sheet and they go in the oven at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until crispy again.
CAN YOU FREEZE THE PARMESAN CHICKEN BREAST?
Absolutely you can freeze the chicken breasts. Occasionally I will make a double or triple batch just to be able to freeze them for another day. I will place them on a cookie sheet and into the freezer. Once they are rock-hard frozen I will transfer them into a freezer bag. Then thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the air fryer or oven is the best method.
LOOKING FOR MORE CHICKEN RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Marinated Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks: With just a simple marinade and a short time in the oven, you’ll have tender, juicy drumsticks with crispy skin that everyone will love.
Sticky Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: Combining the irresistible sweetness of honey with the rich depth of garlic, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to satisfy.
The Best Marry Me Chicken: This tantalizing creation features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a velvety, creamy sauce infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs.
Simply Irresistible Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Equipment
- 12" Fry Pan or Baking Dish
Ingredients
Parmesan Crust Ingredients:
- 2 Chicken Breasts (cut into cutlets)
- 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs dry
- 1/2 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp Parsley Fresh
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp Lemon Zest from one
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
Wet Batter Ingredients:
- 2 Egg Whites
- 2 Tsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 Juiced Lemon
Other
- ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets. Lightly season each piece with salt and black pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Make the Parmesan Crust: In a shallow dish, combine the dry breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Wet Batter: In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cornstarch, and lemon juice until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the wet batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then press each cutlet firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the coated cutlets on a plate and set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of breadcrumb dropped in will sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken cutlets in the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. You may need to fry the cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of the Parmesan-crusted chicken!
- Optional Step: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the cooked chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.