Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and crispy dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a golden Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb crust. This Italian-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and savory flavor, achieved by either baking or pan-frying the chicken to perfection. Ideal as a satisfying main dish, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
Coating Mixture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Cooking
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven (if baking): Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken if you choose this method.
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Beat the egg: Crack the egg into a separate bowl and beat it well; this will act as the binding agent for the coating.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each boneless chicken breast first into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully covered, then press and coat the chicken thoroughly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture until an even crust forms.
- Cook the chicken: For pan-frying, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Place each coated chicken breast in the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If baking, place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the cooked chicken for a bright finish and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
