This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a treat that’s both crunchy and cheesy! With a golden crust, it’s perfect for dinner and guaranteed to make your taste buds happy!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up! Just coat the chicken in Parmesan, bake it, and enjoy the compliments that come your way. Who knew chicken could be this fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe as they cook evenly and are easy to handle. You could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier piece of meat.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for that delicious crusty topping. If you’re out or looking for a substitute, try Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor or a blend of other hard cheeses.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a lovely crunch! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but they won’t be quite as crispy. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the coatings. For a lighter option, you could use egg whites only, or substitute with a plant-based egg replacement if you’re looking for a vegan option.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Crispy Coating?
Getting that crispy crust is all about proper coating and cooking methods. Here’s how you can ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy every time!
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating—this helps the flour stick better.
- Follow the order: flour > egg > breadcrumb mixture. This creates layers that crisp up during baking.
- Drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the crispiness.
- Keep an eye on the chicken as it broils. Just a minute or two can lead to perfect browning or burning.
With these tips in mind, you’re set to create a delicious Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken that everyone will love!
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10-15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
3. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish so you have everything ready for coating the chicken.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coatings stick better! Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess before moving on to the eggs.
5. Coat with Egg and Breadcrumbs:
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s completely coated. After that, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it gets an even and crispy coating all over.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated chicken breasts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle or gently brush olive oil over the top of each piece to help achieve that golden crust.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. It should be cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and have a beautiful golden, crispy crust.
8. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
For an added crunch, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then serve alongside your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious crispy Parmesan crusted chicken!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first. The best way to do this is by letting it sit in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover crispy Parmesan crusted chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps retain the crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Try serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or over pasta and drizzled with marinara sauce for a hearty meal.
