Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that perfectly combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful crust of Parmesan cheese. This recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile and can be served with various sides for a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or a special occasion, Parmesan Crusted Chicken will impress your guests with its crispy exterior and moist interior.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the best Parmesan Crusted Chicken, including detailed instructions, tips, nutritional information, and serving suggestions. We will also cover variations to the recipe, tips for ensuring crispy results, and how to adapt the dish to fit dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly and ensures that the crust will adhere well.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Set up the Breading Stations: In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth to create the egg wash. In a third shallow dish, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients well so that the breadcrumbs and Parmesan are evenly distributed.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Start by dipping each seasoned chicken breast into the flour, coating it completely and shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, coating both sides with a generous amount of the mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs down lightly to ensure a thick, even coating.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil and Butter: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using butter, add it to the skillet along with the olive oil. The oil ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, while the butter adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown color.
2. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil and butter are hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the chicken carefully, as the crust can be fragile.
3. Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If needed, lower the heat and cook for a few more minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

1. Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
2. Serve the Chicken: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon juice adds a fresh, bright contrast to the crispy, cheesy chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, whether you want to keep it light or make it more indulgent. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. You can make a simple tomato sauce, marinara, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce to complement the chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a perfect healthy side dish to pair with Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Their slight bitterness and sweetness balance the richness of the chicken.
3. Salads: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to cut through the richness of the chicken. You could also add some shaved Parmesan cheese to the salad for extra flavor.
4. Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting meal, serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes. The richness of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the crispy chicken.
5. Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something indulgent, serve the chicken with garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread makes a perfect accompaniment to the crispy Parmesan crust.

Tips for Perfecting Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a better texture and flavor than pre-grated Parmesan. It will melt more evenly into the breadcrumb coating and help form a crispier crust.
2. Pound the Chicken Evenly: For an evenly cooked chicken breast, it’s important to pound the chicken to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook evenly, and the coating will adhere better.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary, allowing the oil to stay hot and ensuring that each piece gets crispy.
4. Rest the Chicken After Cooking: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender inside.
5. Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or season the chicken with cayenne pepper before breading.
6. For a Healthier Version: To make this dish healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Variations of Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken: To make a lighter version of this dish, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Chicken Parmesan: For a more classic Chicken Parmesan, top the crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake the dish in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese, then serve over spaghetti.
3. Lemon Parmesan Chicken: For a fresh twist, add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving. This will give the dish a zesty, refreshing flavor.
4. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, and they work well with the Parmesan crust.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. The crispy, cheesy crust paired with tender, juicy chicken is a combination that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, this dish is versatile and can be adapted to fit various tastes. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a meal that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Yield: 4

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that perfectly combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful crust of Parmesan cheese. This recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile and can be served with various sides for a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or a special occasion, Parmesan Crusted Chicken will impress your guests with its crispy exterior and moist interior.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying) or butter (for a richer flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Breading Station:
   In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
   
2. Coat the Chicken:
   Dip each chicken breast into the egg, making sure it’s fully coated.
   Then dip the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breading sticks well to the chicken. Repeat for each chicken breast.
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
   
4. Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness, if desired.

Notes

• Chicken Substitutes: You can use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts for a quicker cook time or substitute with turkey cutlets for a different flavor.
• Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Additional Flavors: For an extra layer of flavor, add some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of pasta, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.