Parmesan Crusted Chicken, a delightfully Italian-inspired dish, offers a unique blend of textures and flavors. This dish mainly consists of chicken breast, generously coated with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, and a variety of herbs and seasonings. The resulting crust is both crunchy and rich in flavor, perfectly complementing the tender chicken underneath.
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Ideal for both lunch and dinner, Parmesan Crusted Chicken stands out in the realm of fried chicken. Its versatility means it pairs well with a range of sides like fresh salads, oven-roasted vegetables, or even your favorite sauces.
What makes this dish particularly appealing is its simplicity and flexibility in preparation. The addition of Parmesan cheese elevates the traditional fried chicken, infusing it with a savory depth. Moreover, for those seeking healthier options, this chicken can be baked or air-fried, reducing oil and calorie intake without sacrificing the signature crispy, cheesy crust.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is not just tasty but also convenient for those busy days. Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner, a get-together with friends, or treating yourself, this dish brings a slice of Italy to your table. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you'll need common Italian pantry staples, readily available in most grocery stores. Let's delve into each ingredient and understand its importance in the recipe:
- Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, thinly sliced chicken breast or chicken tenders for uniform cooking. This cut stays tender and juicy, essential for a delightful eating experience.
- Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient, Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory, and slightly nutty flavor, elevating the taste profile of the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: Coating the chicken in all-purpose flour is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden crust when fried or baked. It adds a light, enjoyable texture.
- Seasonings: Essentials like garlic, onion, black pepper, and salt are vital for flavor enhancement. They deepen and balance the dish's taste.
- Herbs: Dried parsley or Italian seasoning bring herbal nuances and a hint of freshness. They play a significant role in the aroma and overall flavor of the dish.
- Beaten Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, ensuring the Parmesan and flour mixture sticks to the chicken. They also add moisture, aiding in crust formation.
- Sriracha Sauce or Hot Sauce: Incorporating Sriracha or your preferred hot sauce introduces a spicy dimension and enriches the chicken's flavor layers.
- Oil: Necessary for frying, the right oil ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist inside. Canola, peanut, or corn oil are excellent choices for enhancing flavor.
These ingredients, collectively, contribute to the distinct taste and texture of Parmesan Crusted Chicken, making it a beloved dish.
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken at Home?
Get ready to bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. Follow these simple steps, supported by photos and video, to create a mouth-watering dish. Here's how you can marinate, coat, and fry your way to a delicious meal:
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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, or Italian seasoning also works well
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tbsp Sriracha Sauce, or 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, or adjust to taste
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Oil, or adjust to pan fry chicken
Instructions
To Prepare the Chicken Marinade
- Start by mixing onion, garlic, parsley, black pepper, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
- Whisk the beaten eggs with your choice of hot sauce, such as sriracha, until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Place thinly sliced chicken breasts into the mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken sit in the marinade for 15 to 30 minutes to deeply infuse the flavors into the meat.
To Coate the Chicken with Parmesan
- In a shallow tray, combine all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Remember, Parmesan is salty, so go easy on the added salt. For extra crunch, feel free to mix in ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each marinated chicken breast into the Parmesan blend, covering thoroughly for an even layer.
To Prep Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Set a pan over medium heat and add oil. Once hot, place the Parmesan-coated chicken breasts in the pan.
- Fry each side for 5 to 7 minutes until they're golden brown. If they brown too fast, lower the heat to medium-low. Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it's reached 165°F (74°C), following FDA guidelines for safety.
- 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!
To Serve:
- Enjoy your crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with a selection of dipping sauces like tartar, honey mustard, garlic aioli, chili sauce, mayo, or ketchup. Pair it with roasted veggies, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Thinly Sliced Chicken: Use thinly sliced chicken breast or tenders for uniform cooking and a crispier crust.
- Marinate Well: Marinate the chicken for 15 to 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Even Coating: Ensure an even coating of the Parmesan mixture for a consistent, crispy crust.
- Firm Coating Press: Gently press the Parmesan mixture onto the chicken to make sure it sticks well.
- Non-Stick Cooking Surface: Use a non-stick pan for frying, or a parchment-lined baking sheet for baking, to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oil or Oven: Heat the oil properly for frying, or preheat the oven for baking, to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Monitor Cooking: Watch the cooking process closely. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest post-cooking to redistribute the juices, keeping it moist and flavorful.
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.
Discover more in our collection of chicken breast and fried chicken recipes, each bursting with unique flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for any meal, these dishes promise crispy, savory bliss.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Baked Version
Baking Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a great option for a healthier version of this dish. Here's a quick guide:
- Oven Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease.
- Marinate and Coat: Proceed with the marinating and coating steps as you would for frying, ensuring each chicken piece is evenly covered in the Parmesan mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart for even cooking. For an extra crispy crust, lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil.
- Baking Time: Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when it's cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before serving.
This method delivers a delightful dish, maintaining the dish’s signature flavors and textures while being a lighter option.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerator Storage: Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. After cooking, let it cool completely, then place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps preserve its quality and flavor.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil, or use a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Parmesan Crusted Chicken can last for 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, the oven is recommended to maintain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it might make the crust soggy.
- Safety Check Before Consumption: Always reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Discard if you notice any spoilage signs or odd smells.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Chicken at its best even days later.
Serving Suggestions
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is a delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few options you can consider:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The roasted flavors complement the chicken nicely
- Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken
- Pasta Dishes: Pair the chicken with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Toss the pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce, or a simple marinara sauce for a satisfying meal
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or roasted potatoes make a comforting and hearty side dish that complements the crispy chicken
- Rice Dishes: Serve the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with a flavorful rice pilaf made with herbs, vegetables, and spices. The rice provides an excellent base for the chicken and adds variety to the meal
- Sauteed Dishes: Sauteed dishes like zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, green beans, spinach, kale, or cabbage make a healthy meal with these crispy chicken
- Sauces: Tartar sauce, honey mustard sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, or mango chutney make an excellent addition to this fried chicken
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