Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy and flavorful Parmesan cheese crust. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a versatile and convenient option for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Crispy: The Parmesan cheese crust adds a delicious salty and cheesy flavor to the chicken, while the simple seasoning enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: Serve these Parmesan Crusted Chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. They’re also great for meal prepping or slicing for sandwiches and wraps.
• Quick and Convenient: This dish comes together in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Egg: Helps the Parmesan cheese crust adhere to the chicken.
• Water: Thins the egg mixture for easier coating.
• Minced garlic: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Creates a crispy and flavorful crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and prevent sticking.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can butterfly them by slicing them in half almost all the way through, then opening them like a book. Place the chicken cutlets between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash and Cheese

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well blended. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine. Place the shredded Parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken cutlet in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off. Place the chicken in the Parmesan cheese, sprinkle more cheese over the top, and gently press to adhere. Turn the chicken over and repeat on the other side. Shake off any excess cheese. Repeat with the remaining chicken cutlets.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken cutlets to the skillet. Do not move the chicken until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has adhered to the chicken, about 3 minutes. Lightly press down on the chicken with a spatula, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden brown, about 3 minutes more.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the chicken cutlets from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use shredded Parmesan cheese: Shredded Parmesan cheese is essential for this recipe, as grated Parmesan will not create the same crispy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
• Adjust the heat: If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Serve

These Parmesan Crusted Chicken breasts are delicious with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Parmesan Crusted Chicken breasts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? While Parmesan cheese is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and elegant way to enjoy a classic dish. With its easy preparation, crispy coating, and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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