Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated with a crispy, flavorful crust made from Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs. Pan-fried to golden perfection and optionally finished in the oven for extra crunch, it offers a simple yet impressive Italian-American main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs mixed with water, and the third with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, and garlic powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash to moisten, and finally coat thoroughly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Cook on the Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts without overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Optional Oven Finish: For extra crispiness, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and finish in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired, alongside pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, substitute Italian-style breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs.
- Finishing the chicken in the oven adds extra crispness and ensures it is fully cooked.
- Serve this dish over pasta, with a fresh salad, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- To prevent overcrowding, cook in batches if your pan is not large enough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
