This Parmesan-crusted chicken is coated with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. It's then pan-fried in a little melted butter until the chicken breast becomes flavorful, with a crispy outer layer and tender inside. Quick and easy for a weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough for company.
This dish is one of my go-to recipes for busy evenings, so I like to pair it with simple sides. A basic garden salad, broccoli, buttered pasta, or even instant mashed potatoes are some of my favorites.
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Set up a 2-breading and 1-dipping station. The first with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the chicken breast in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat with the panko Parmesan mixture on both sides.
Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet and melt some butter. Pan-fry the coated chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for best results.
Recipe Notes and Helpful Tips
Divide larger breasts in half lengthwise, or pound them until they're approximately 1/2 inch thick. You want the meat to cook through after the breading becomes golden and crispy.
For optimal flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It makes a difference.
If in a pinch, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko. However, I enjoy the extra crunchiness that panko breadcrumbs provide.
Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme. Italian seasoning is a handy solution for busy households.
When placing the chicken in the skillet, try not to disturb it too much. Let the breading crisp up before flipping.
Pro-tip: Use one hand for the egg mixture and the other hand for the flour mixture to avoid getting your fingers too sticky.
Store any leftover food in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes or until fully heated.
How to Air Fry Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the recipe instructions for breading the chicken. Lightly coat the chicken with a little olive oil or cooking spray and place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for about 7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Bake Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the recipe instructions for breading the chicken. Lightly coat the chicken with a little olive oil or cooking spray and place it on a baking sheet.
Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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