Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delightful Italian-inspired dish perfect for any meal. It features chicken breasts encrusted with a flavorful mix of Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, and a blend of herbs and seasonings. The crunchy crust complements the tender chicken beautifully.
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This dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with everything from fresh salads to oven-roasted vegetables or your favorite dips. The addition of Parmesan elevates a classic fried chicken, infusing it with rich, savory notes.
For a healthier twist, try baking or air-frying the chicken to reduce oil and calories without sacrificing the crispy, cheesy exterior. Parmesan Crusted Chicken is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days. It’s an excellent way to bring a taste of Italy to your table and enjoy a satisfying, flavor-rich meal. Let’s explore both the fried and baked versions of this recipe.
Explore More Chicken Breast and Fried Dishes!
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Lemon Chicken
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken
- Baked chicken Breast
- Fried Chicken Tenders
- Fried Chicken Wings
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you'll use simple ingredients that are staples in Italian cooking and easy to find at most grocery stores. Here's a look at each ingredient and why it's key to the dish:
- Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, thinly sliced chicken breast or tenders for uniform cooking. This cut stays wonderfully tender and juicy, ensuring each bite is just as delightful as the last.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is a key player! Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor with a hint of nuttiness, really lifting up the overall taste of your dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Dusting the chicken in flour helps achieve that crispy, golden crust we all love. It adds a satisfying crunch that makes every bite a joy.
- Seasonings: Don't forget the essentials—garlic, onion, black pepper, and salt. They're crucial for flavoring, giving your chicken that deep, well-rounded taste.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of dried parsley or Italian seasoning brings a burst of herbal freshness, enhancing the aroma and enriching the flavors.
- Beaten Eggs: Eggs act as the perfect binder, keeping the Parmesan and flour snugly attached to the chicken. Plus, they add a bit of moisture, helping form that perfect crust.
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce: For those who like a bit of spice, adding Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce adds a zesty twist and deepens the flavor layers.
- Oil: Choosing the right oil for frying is key. Canola, peanut, or corn oil not only ensure a crispy exterior but also keep your chicken moist and tasty inside.
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken?
Let’s cook some delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken together! Follow my easy steps, complete with photos and videos, to prepare this mouth-watering dish. We'll marinate the chicken, coat it generously, then fry it to golden perfection. For a healthier twist, check out the instructions for the baked version too.
Discover More Parmesan-Based Recipes:
- Chicken Parmesan
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Pesto Chicken
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
For Marinade
- 4 piece Boneless Chicken Breast, thinly sliced, or use chicken tenders
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tbsp Sriracha Sauce, or any hot sauce of your choice
- 2 Eggs, beaten
For Parmesan Mixture
- 1½ cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ½ cup Panko Breadcrumb, optional, I haven't used it here
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Salt, to taste
For Frying
- 3 tbsp Oil, or adjust based on need
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Marinade
- Start by mixing the onion, garlic, parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined, ensuring a consistent flavor base.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add your choice of hot sauce, such as sriracha. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and even.
- Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts into the marinade, coating each piece evenly. This step is crucial for maximum flavor absorption, so take a moment to ensure each piece is well covered.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the chicken marinate for 15 to 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become. This resting period allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing both its taste and texture.
Coating the Chicken with Parmesan
- In a shallow tray, mix together all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Since Parmesan is naturally salty, be cautious with any additional salt. For an extra crunch, consider adding panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each marinated chicken breast into the Parmesan blend, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered for an even coating.
Preping Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Set a pan over medium heat and add oil. Wait until the oil is hot, then place the Parmesan-coated chicken breasts in the pan.
- Fry each side of the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown. If the chicken starts browning too quickly, adjust the heat to medium-low to prevent burning. To ensure the chicken is cooked safely, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The temperature should read 165°F (74°C) to meet FDA safety guidelines.
- After frying, take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest briefly. Then, it's ready to be enjoyed – your Parmesan Crusted Chicken is served!
Serving
- Enjoy your crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with a selection of dipping sauces, including tartar, honey mustard, garlic aioli, mayo, or ketchup. For even more exciting pairing ideas, be sure to check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Optimal Cut: Go for thinly sliced chicken breasts or tenders to ensure even cooking and that extra crispy crust we all love. These thinner cuts cook faster and really soak in the flavors.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your Parmesan mix before you start coating the chicken. Parmesan can be pretty salty, so you might want to dial back on additional salt to keep things balanced.
- Herb Varieties: Mix it up with different herbs in your crust mixture, like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. It’s a fun way to customize the flavor to match your meal. You can even use Italian seasoning, which is a combination of these herbs.
- Use Non-Stick Surfaces: Stick to non-stick pans when frying to keep that beautiful crust intact. And if you’re baking, line your tray with parchment paper—it makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your chicken from sticking.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before you add the chicken. A little trick I use: drop a pinch of flour in the oil, and if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go. This helps keep the chicken from getting greasy.
- Rest to Retain Juices: Give your chicken a few minutes to rest after cooking. It helps the juices spread out, ensuring every bite is as juicy and flavorful as can be.
- Baked Crusted Chicken Parmesan: Looking for a healthier option? Try baking your chicken instead of frying. I’ve got instruction below to help you get it just right—crispy, flavorful, and a bit lighter.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more? Explore our collection of chicken breast and fried chicken recipes, along with Italian favorites, each bursting with unique flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for any meal, these dishes are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some of my favorite combinations that bring out the best in this crispy delight:
- Roasted Vegetables: I love serving this chicken with roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Their rich flavors really complement the crispy chicken.
- Salads: Complement your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with a selection of salads. Choose from a fresh green salad with different vinaigrette, a rich Caesar salad with creamy dressing and croutons, or a refreshing Caprese with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Each option offers a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Pasta Dishes: A side of pasta, whether it's spaghetti tossed in a creamy Alfredo or a simple marinara, makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a classic pairing that never disappoints.
- Potatoes: Whether mashed, baked, or roasted, potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the crunchy chicken.
- Rice Dishes: A flavorful rice pilaf can be a fantastic addition, adding herbs and spices for a little extra flair. It’s a simple yet tasty way to round out the meal.
- Sautéed Vegetables: For something a bit lighter, quick-sautéed greens like kale and spinach, or other veggies, can add a healthy burst of color and texture to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a sweeter contrast to the savory chicken, sweet potato fries are a delightful option. They’re especially great for kids or as a comfort food side.
- Polenta: Creamy or grilled polenta makes a great base for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, offering a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken.
- Couscous: A side of couscous, especially when mixed with herbs like parsley and mint, adds a light and fluffy texture to the meal, complementing the hearty chicken.
- Ratatouille: This classic French stewed vegetable dish not only adds color and vibrancy to your plate but its savory flavors paris well with the chicken.
- Dips: Enhance your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with a variety of dips. Options include creamy aioli, ranch, basil pesto, honey mustard, bbq sauce, and mango chutney. Each dip adds a unique flavor to complement the crispy, cheesy chicken.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend enjoying Parmesan Crusted Chicken fresh to fully savor its flavor and crispy texture. However, if you need to store it, here are some of my tips to help maintain its quality.
- Refrigerator Storage: Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps maintain its quality and flavor.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: For extended storage, freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil, or store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Parmesan Crusted Chicken can last for 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, leave the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven to preserve its crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave as it may make the crust soggy.
- Safety Check Before Consumption: Always reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. Discard any chicken that shows signs of spoilage or has an odd smell.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Baked Version
If you’re looking to reduce the oil or want a healthier version of this dish, baking Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a great alternative that still delivers on flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Marinate and Coat: Follow the same steps for marinating and coating as you would for the fried version, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly covered in the Parmesan mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for even cooking. For an extra crispy crust, lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil.
- Baking Time: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to help retain juices.
This method not only retains the signature flavors and textures of the dish but also serves as a lighter option. Enjoy your meal with less guilt and great taste!
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