This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a winner for dinner! It’s juicy chicken coated in a crunchy, cheesy topping that makes every bite tasty and satisfying.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just coat the chicken with the mixture, bake until golden, and dinner is served. Don’t be surprised if your family asks for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean and easy to work with. If you’re looking for a substitution, thin chicken cutlets or even turkey breasts work well too. Just remember to adjust cooking time based on thickness!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a tasty salty flavor. If you want to swap it out, consider using Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give a light, crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but you might miss that extra crunch. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist!
Garlic Powder: This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. You can substitute it with fresh minced garlic if you prefer; just remember that less is more since it’s stronger.
Eggs: They help the coating stick. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, a combination of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) can work instead!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Getting that crunchy, golden crust is all about the right techniques. First off, make sure to properly coat each chicken piece. This means flour, then egg, and finally, the breadcrumb mixture. This three-step process helps create that crispy layer.
- Start by patting the chicken dry — moisture can prevent the coating from getting crispy.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Allow the chicken to bake at a steady temperature of 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- For extra crunch, finish with a quick broil. This only takes a couple of minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps keep the juices in and the coating intact. Enjoy your deliciously crispy chicken!
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or light frying)
- Cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, making a total of around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that warms up, get your baking sheet ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. This will be the crunchy coating for your chicken, so make sure it’s well combined!
3. Whisk the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they’re smooth and well mixed. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
4. Set Up for Dredging:
Next, place the flour on a plate. You’ll use this to lightly coat the chicken before dipping it into the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is important because moisture can make the coating soggy. Now, take each chicken breast and coat it with flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Egg Dip:
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s completely coated. This will help the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture stick nicely.
7. Breadcrumb Coating:
Now it’s time to coat the chicken! Press each piece into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every side is well coated. Press down a bit so the crumbs adhere well.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated chicken breasts on the greased or lined baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded — give them some space! This helps them crisp up better.
9. Add Olive Oil:
For a golden, crispy finish, drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the chicken or use cooking spray to lightly coat them.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
11. Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you like your chicken extra crispy, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
12. Let it Rest:
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps lock in the juices for juicy chicken bites!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Parmesan-crusted chicken! Serve with your favorite side dishes, and watch everyone go for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add extra juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if your thighs are larger or bone-in, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs work too, though they may not be as crispy. For a fun twist, try using crushed cornflakes or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option!
How Do I Store Leftover Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best results and to retain that crispy texture.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
You can prep the chicken and coat it up to a day ahead! Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Baking right before serving will give you that delicious crispy crust!
