Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a dish that combines the indulgent, savory flavors of a classic steakhouse entrée with the comforting familiarity of breaded and baked chicken. Inspired by the hearty, generous portions served in American steakhouses, this dish elevates simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal by combining a crispy, golden parmesan crust with rich, complementary seasonings and a luscious sauce. The result is a dish that satisfies both the eye and the palate, offering a perfect balance of textures, flavors, and aromas.

Save it!

The beauty of Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken lies in its versatility. Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish is equally impressive and approachable. The chicken remains juicy and tender on the inside, while the exterior develops a golden, crisp layer infused with parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by a burst of savory flavor that lingers long after the meal is finished. For those seeking a restaurant-quality experience at home, this recipe offers a perfect solution.

Beyond the crust, the dish can be paired with a variety of sauces—from a simple garlic butter drizzle to a creamy parmesan or mushroom sauce—adding another layer of richness. Side dishes like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad complement the chicken beautifully, allowing the flavors to shine while keeping the meal well-rounded and satisfying. The parmesan crust itself provides a subtle umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of the chicken, creating a dish that is indulgent yet balanced.

This recipe is designed to guide you meticulously through every step of the cooking process, from selecting the right chicken cut to achieving a perfectly crisp parmesan crust and finishing with expert plating. Each section will provide detailed instructions, tips, and optional variations to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time. By the end, you will not only have mastered Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken but also gained valuable techniques for breading, baking, and flavoring chicken like a professional chef.

In the pages that follow, you will discover everything you need to create this memorable dish, including ingredient breakdowns, preparation techniques, cooking tips, and serving suggestions. This recipe is a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary craftsmanship, offering both novice and experienced home cooks the opportunity to bring the steakhouse experience into their own kitchens.

Ingredients

Before starting the instructions, here’s a detailed ingredient list with notes:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

For the Sauce (Optional, but Recommended):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.

   • Reasoning: Even thickness ensures uniform cooking, preventing thinner edges from drying out while thicker parts finish cooking.

2. Season the chicken. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Pat the seasoning in gently.

   • Tip: Seasoning before breading allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken while adding a base of flavor under the crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Set up three shallow bowls. Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs in the third.

2. Optional flavor boost: You can mix additional spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture for more flavor.

3. Coat the chicken.

   • Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess.

   • Dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

   • Press firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.

   • Tip: Pressing the coating firmly helps it adhere better during baking or pan-frying.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Option A: Oven-Baked (Healthier and Less Hands-On)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter to encourage browning.

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.

Option B: Pan-Fried (Crispier Crust)

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce heat if the crust browns too quickly.

3. Transfer to a baking sheet and finish in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–10 minutes if needed to reach the proper internal temperature.

   • Tip: Pan-frying first gives a crispy crust, while finishing in the oven ensures thorough cooking without burning.

Step 4: Prepare the Optional Parmesan Garlic Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Remove from heat and set aside until serving.

   • Tip: The sauce pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken, adding a luxurious layer of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Place the cooked chicken on a serving platter.

2. Drizzle with the Parmesan garlic sauce, if using, or serve on the side.

3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.

4. Suggested sides: mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the richness.

Step 6: Tips and Expert Techniques

• Prevent soggy crusts: Ensure the chicken is patted dry before breading and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

• Even cooking: Always pound chicken to an even thickness. Thinner parts cook faster and prevent uneven doneness.

• Enhancing flavor: Mix a small amount of grated Parmesan into the flour or egg stage for extra cheesy layers.

• Make-ahead option: Breaded chicken can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it convenient for meal prep.