This Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy, cheesy, and super flavorful! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have golden-brown chicken that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even turkey cutlets if you’re in the mood for something different.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated Parmesan will work too, but it may not melt as nicely. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but plain breadcrumbs or panko will work just as well. Panko gives a super crispy texture if you want something crunchier!
Garlic Powder and Oregano: These spices add depth to the flavor. You could substitute garlic powder with minced fresh garlic or even garlic salt, just reduce the added salt. For herb lovers, a mix of Italian herbs can be delightful.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Even Cooking?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key for even cooking. This step ensures that the chicken cooks at the same rate, preventing dry, overcooked edges. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick. Aim for an even thickness throughout.
- Be careful not to pound too hard, as you don’t want to tear the meat.
This technique can make your chicken tender and juicy while ensuring that the coating stays crispy!
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 25 minutes to cook. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy Parmesan crusted chicken that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, get your baking sheet ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper (this helps prevent mess). Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking!
3. Set Up the Breading Stations:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. In another shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will provide a lovely crunch and flavor!
4. Bread the Chicken:
Now, let’s coat the chicken! First, dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks well. You want a nice, thick coating.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step gives them a lovely crispy texture!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the golden chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through, so check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken warm and enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit! You’re going to love this delicious and easy dish!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe and can provide a bit more flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to cook through. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Just make sure to check that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain the crispiness. You can also use the microwave, but the coating may soften.
Can I Prep This Chicken in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge, covered tightly. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through properly.
