Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crispy and flavorful Italian dish that pairs tender chicken breast with a crunchy Parmesan cheese and herb crust. Celebrated as one of the finest variations of fried chicken, it’s perfect for both lunch and dinner. This dish pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sauces, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Resting Time 15

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 639

Author Sangeetha Vel

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

US Customary - Metric

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.

Notes

Here are my favorite tips for perfecting your Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

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

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