This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the Weeknight Dinner You Crave (2024)

Key ingredients for Parmesan crusted chicken

Dinners built on just a few ingredients are where it’s at for us, and this chicken recipe fits the bill with pantry staples (aside from the chicken, of course!). Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You’ll need to butterfly the chicken breast for this recipe. You can buy it precut, in which case it’s often marked as cutlets. Buy organic chicken if possible!
• Egg: This helps the Parmesan breading to adhere to the chicken.
• All purpose flour: Flour makes for the perfect golden exterior. You can substitute almond flour for gluten-free.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: This is the key ingredient! Make sure it is grated with a powdery texture, not shredded.
• Italian seasoning and garlic powder: These spices add an intensely savory flavor. Olive oil, salt and pepper round out the ingredients.

Step 1: Butterfly the chicken breasts (slice in half lengthwise). Then place between plastic wrap and use a mallet or heavy skillet to pound them to an even 1/4″ thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Whisk an egg in a bowl. Stir together the flour, Parmesan and seasonings in a baking dish. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then flour mixture.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until browned on both sides, until the internal temperature is 165°F, or the center is no longer pink. Rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Ways to serve it

When we make Parmesan crusted chicken, it’s one our family keeps returning to the kitchen for seconds. We often serve it with rice or over a salad to make a main dish salad. Here are a few of our top ideas:

• Serve it with pan fried broccoli, roasted sweet potatoes, or sauteed vegetables.
• Make it with lemon rice or basil rice.
• Slice it into strips to top a Caesar salad.
• Make it for adding protein to a rice bowl or power bowl.
• Add it to pasta, like garlic butter noodles.

Pan Fried BroccoliSauteed VegetablesLemon RiceCaesar saladPower Bowl

Storing leftovers

This Parmesan crusted chicken recipe tastes best when it’s freshly made and crisp from the skillet! Store any leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet to regain some of the crispy texture.

Dietary notes

This Parmesan crusted chicken recipe is gluten-free with almond flour.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Asiago, Romano, or Pecorino Romano. Keep in mind, Pecorino is much saltier than Parmesan.

How do I keep the crust from falling off?

The key is a good breading process. Dredge the chicken in the egg, then the flour and Parmesan mixture, ensuring each step coats the chicken completely. Press gently to adhere the coating.

How can I add more flavor to the parmesan crusted chicken?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the breading mixture for a kick. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano in the breading. Or, add a bit of lemon zest to the breading for a bright flavor.

Why do I need to let the chicken rest?

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender, flavorful, and moist piece of meat. It also makes it easier to cut!

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Insert a digital instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).

Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken