Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet utterly delicious chicken recipe that will impress your family and friends, look no further than Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a golden, crispy crust that’s bursting with flavor. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can serve up a meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home.

Top Reasons to Make Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and breadcrumbs creates a rich, savory flavor that elevates the dish.
• Versatile: Pair it with a fresh salad, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy coating is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.
• Great for Meal Prep: This chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated for quick lunches or dinners.

What Goes Into Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast: The star of the dish, providing lean protein.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken, adding a nice base to help the egg mixture stick.
• 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs and cheese.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Choose homemade or store-bought for convenience and texture.
• 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that brings the dish to life.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of the chicken.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Provides the necessary fat for a crispy crust; choose a neutral oil for best results.

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Large mixing bowl: For combining the egg and cheese mixture.
• Shallow dish: For dredging the chicken in flour and breadcrumbs.
• Skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for frying the chicken.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken without damaging the crust.
• Meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Made Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before transferring it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of sides and enjoy your Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken!

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute nutritional yeast for the cheese and use a dairy-free milk alternative for the egg wash.
• Egg-Free: Replace eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) to bind the breadcrumbs.

Chef’s Rationale

The magic of Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in its simplicity. By using a classic dredging method, you create layers of flavor and texture. The flour allows the egg to adhere, while the breadcrumbs and cheese form a crunchy, savory crust. This technique is not only effective but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings or cheeses if desired. Pairing it with the right sides elevates the entire meal, ensuring it’s a favorite at your dinner table.

Storage & Reheat Guide

For leftovers, store the Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

Questions People Ask

Can I bake the Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with a light coat of cooking oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

What can I serve with Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh arugula salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.

Can I freeze Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Absolutely! After cooking, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the chicken to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Healthy-ish Favorites

• Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Herb-Crusted Salmon
• Quinoa Salad with Vegetables
• Steamed Seasonal Vegetables

Final Bite

There you have it—a straightforward recipe for Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this dish brings together simplicity and flavor in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this chicken will undoubtedly be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to prepare. Happy cooking!

Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavor-packed delight! Crispy, golden, and ready in under an hour, it's perfect for any family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• as needed vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Shallow dish
• Skillet
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

Preparation

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station - Place flour in one shallow dish, beat the eggs in another, and combine breadcrumbs and cheese in a third.
3. Step 3: Dredge the Chicken - Coat each breast in flour, dip into eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Step 4: Heat the Oil - In a skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Fry the Chicken - Fry each breast for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Drain and Serve - Transfer cooked chicken to paper towels to absorb excess oil, serve hot with sides.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• For gluten-free options, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.