Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. With a perfect golden crust and juicy chicken, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Breading:

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Chicken:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position the rack in the top third of the oven.
   • Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
   • Prepare three shallow bowls:
     • Bowl 1: Add the flour.
     • Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with a fork.
     • Bowl 3: Mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Coat each piece of chicken in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess at each step.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add two chicken pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden. Use tongs to flip the chicken easily. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   • Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and repeat with the other two pieces.
5. Bake the Chicken:
   • Arrange all four pieces of chicken in the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
6. Serve:
   • Serve hot, paired with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: A golden Parmesan crust that locks in the chicken’s juices.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create a restaurant-quality dish.
• Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

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Tips

• Dry the Chicken: Ensuring the chicken is dry helps the coating stick better.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Oven Step: Baking ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free options.
• Spices: Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

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FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well; adjust cooking times as they may take longer to cook through.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the crispness.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve over spaghetti marinara for a classic pairing.
• Add a drizzle of lemon butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal.