Okay, friends, let me tell you about something that’s become a total staple in our house: ice cream. Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Is it crispy without deep frying? Is it as addictive as fried chicken? How do I become a little healthier? I swear, even the pickiest eaters in my family devour this. I need something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit. What do you do when you stare blankly into the fridge wondering what to make? What is the best Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe?
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What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken? What are the best cheeses, breadcrumbs, spices, then baked or pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. What is a healthier alternative to fried chicken? What is an incredible crust that’s salty, savory, and totally irresistible. What’s essentially taking the deliciousness of chicken Parmesan and simplifying it into something you can eat. Can whip up on a weeknight. Is it a good substitute for baked chicken?
Why do I love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is. We’re talking minimal prep time and a simple ingredient list. Plus, the flavor is out of this world! The Parmesan cheese creates this amazing, savory crust that’s perfectly complemented by the juicy, tender chicken. It’s such a satisfying combination of textures and tastes.
But beyond the flavor, it’s also pretty budget-friendly. Chicken breasts are generally affordable, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. And let’s not forget how versatile it is! You can serve this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with just about anything – pasta, rice, veggies, salad… the possibilities are endless. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. I also think its a lot more flavorful than your typical chicken tender recipe, a lot more exciting to eat.
Is it so simple? I used to make complicated chicken dishes all the time, but they never tasted as good as this. I’m not exaggerating at all!
How do I make Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make Parmesan Crusted Chicken? How do you prep chicken breasts, whip up the Parmesan crust mixture, coat the chicken with the parmesans and serve. What is the best way to cook chicken, and then bake or pan-fry it to golden, crispy perfection. How do you not overcrowd your pan when pan-frying or baking? I love the crispy texture of the bread. Don’t let that alarm you! Is it really that easy to do a project?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Parmesan Crust:
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the good stuff! Freshly grated is always best)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (these give the best crunch, trust me)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick) • 1 teaspoon black pepper powder (not recommended)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure a nice, even crust. If you’re pan-frying, get your skillet ready over medium heat.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
What is the best way to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels? What is the best coating for a crisper crust? Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. What is the best seasoning for chicken?
Step 3: Mix the Parmesan Crust Ingredients
In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. This is your flavor bomb, so make sure it’s evenly distributed!
Step 4: Set Up Dipping Station
In another shallow dish, beat the egg. Now, set up your dipping station: Chicken breasts, beaten egg, Parmesan mixture. What is the best way to make the coating process smoother?
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
How do you dip a chicken breast into beaten egg? What is the best way to dredge a parmesan dish in the Parmean mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered! I like to do this twice for an extra thick and crispy crust.
Step 6: Bake (or Pan-Fry)
If baking, place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. If pan-frying, heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat and cook each side for around 6-8 minutes.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. How do you get the juices to re-distribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken? What are some of the most important steps to follow when pan frying chicken?
What do you serve it with?
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Parmesan Crusted Chicken, now what do you serve it with? The options are endless!
With Pasta:What is a good chicken parmesan recipe? What are some good alternatives to Alfredo sauce?
What is the best way to cookServe it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a healthy and tasty snack. I love roasting my veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I like it!
In a Salad:What are some good ways to serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a salad? What are some good salad dressings to serve with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers?
In Sandwiches:What are some good fillings for sandwiches?
What are some good side dishes to serve with asparagus? What is a comforting meal? What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
How do I make a Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
What are some of the best ways to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken? What are the things I’ve learned over the years that have taken this recipe from good to amazing?
How can I use fresh shredded Parmesan cheese? This makes a huge difference in flavor. Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly and creating that amazing crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether you’re baking or pan-frying, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of crisping up.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, which makes them perfect for this recipe. They create a fantastic, crunchy crust that’s hard to resist.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Add Some Spice: A little red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
Experiment With Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano can take this recipe to the next level. Chop them up finely and add them to the Parmesan mixture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a batch of Parmesan Crusted Chicken, and now you have leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep it tasting its best.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Glaze Timing Advice: When you are ready to eat your chicken make sure you follow the instructions for best results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s such a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your house too. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this recipe has got you covered. And if you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy chicken recipes! I’m always experimenting with new flavors and techniques, so there’s always something new to discover. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Chicken at Home
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6-7 ounces each
- 1.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms sliced
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.75 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, for garnish (optional)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish and put in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- In the skillet, add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Pour in the cream and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder, mixing well.
- Remove the chicken from the oven, top with the mushroom sauce and the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Garnish with chopped basil and serve immediately.
