This parmesan crusted chicken features a crispy golden brown breading and tender chicken inside! This quick and easy recipe takes just 25 minutes in total. Make this chicken recipe for busy weeknights, weekends with friends, meal prep, and leftovers. It is simple, straightforward, and versatile!

Parmesan crusted chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This quick and easy recipe takes only 25 minutes.
  • It tastes even better than the Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken!
  • This pan fried recipe is healthier than traditional fried chicken.
  • Serve it for lunch, or dinner, or slice it thin for a tasty salad topper.
  • It is versatile.
  • Serve with Green Beans and Potatoes for a cozy meal!
  • Both kids and adults love this recipe.
  • Serve with spaghetti, spaghetti squash, salads, or by itself.
  • This recipe can be made gluten free easily.
  • Check out this Cheesy Lasagna for another Italian food favorite!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this crispy Parmesan crusted chicken. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you only have frozen, thaw completely.

Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.

Dredge the chicken in either gluten free flour or all purpose flour. Both work equally well.

Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Do not replace the eggs.

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a bold flavor.

Dried Italian seasoning (or a combination of oregano, basil, and thyme) adds the classic flavors.

Fry in a smaller layer of olive oil or avocado oil.

For the lemon garlic butter sauce, use unsalted butter.

Cloves of garlic add a hearty garlicky flavor.

Use one lemon for both juice and zest.

Add in salt and pepper to taste.

Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley.

Ingredients for Parmesan crusted chicken.

Taste & Texture

This parmesan crusted chicken tastes like your favorite Italian food! It tastes like breaded crispy chicken with an Italian flavor.

The breading is crispy and golden. Moreover, the meat inside is tender, moist, and not overcooked.

How to Make

Step 1

First, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) using a meat mallet or a rolling pin.

Meat mallet with chicken.

Step 2

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 3

In three separate shallow dishes, set up a breading station. Place the flour in one dish, whisk the eggs in another dish, and combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning in the third dish.

Eggs and seasonings in bowls.

Step 4

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Chicken dredged in flour.

Step 5

Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

Chicken in whisked egg mixture.

Step 6

Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.

Chicken with parmesan breading.

Step 7

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken.

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken in skillet.

Step 9

Place the cooked chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Parmesan chicken on paper towels.

Step 10

Then, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Butter in saucepan.

Step 11

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

Step 12

Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Melted butter in pan.

Step 13

Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cooked parmesan crusted chicken.

Step 14

Finally, garnish this parmesan crusted chicken with chopped fresh parsley.

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these steps for the best parmesan crusted chicken!

Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken out to ½ inch thickness. This allows for evenly cooked chicken.

Use shallow bowls for the three breading steps.

Use freshly grated Parmesan when possible. It melts more easily and offers a bolder taste.

Watch the chicken as it cooks to prevent burning.

Crispy chicken on white plate.

Baking Method

To make oven baked parmesan crusted chicken, follow these easy steps.

First, prepare the chicken as outlined below.

Place on a baking pan.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear.

Finally, remove from the oven. Serve!

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Consider these add-ins to your parmesan crusted chicken.

Mix in some rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.

A touch of paprika or cayenne can give it a kick.

Add in some onion powder to the dry seasonings.

Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Pound them thinly before cooking.

How to Serve & Store

Serve this parmesan crusted chicken hot and fresh!

This recipe pairs well with whole wheat pasta, marinara sauce, and garlic bread.

Serve with veggies, Caesar salad, or spaghetti squash.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

If needed, freeze this chicken for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other cheeses?

Sure. While Parmesan offers a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with others like Asiago or Pecorino.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

Yes. Baking at 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F will yield a delicious result.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Certainly! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What is Parmesan crusted chicken?

This chicken is breaded with Parmesan cheese then baked or fried. In this recipe, it is pan fried.

What is Parmesan crust made of?

The crust is made of flour (regular or gluten free), Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Is chicken Parmesan fried or baked?

Chicken Parmesan can be fried or baked. Typically, it is pan fried in a skillet with some olive oil.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Use gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs.

Platter with golden crispy chicken.

Equipment Needed

Our Place Always Pan: I always use this pan for stovetop cooking!

Meat Mallet: Use this mallet to pound out the chicken.

Check out all of my kitchen favorites!

You May Also Enjoy

If you make this parmesan crusted chicken recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Dinner Recipes.

Parmesan crusted chicken.

Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken is even better than restaurants! It is made with juicy chicken breast coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and baked to perfection. This elegant and easy to make main course is perfect for any special occasion.
5 from 7 votes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • sea salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup flour, gluten free or regular
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs, gluten free or regular
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • olive oil, for frying

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce (Optional):

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp lemon zest
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • sea salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • First, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) using a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • In three separate shallow dishes, set up a breading station. Place the flour in one dish, whisk the eggs in another dish, and combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning in the third dish.
  • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  • Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken.
  • Place the cooked chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Then, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
  • Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cooked parmesan crusted chicken.
  • Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

  • I am gluten free, so I use gluten free flour and gluten free Panko breadcrumbs.  Feel free to use regular if you are not gluten free.
  • Pound the chicken out to an even thickness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of the chicken.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minute before slicing into.
  • Stor leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Calories: 490kcal, Carbohydrates: 68g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 206mg, Sodium: 998mg, Potassium: 666mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 736IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 368mg, Iron: 5mg

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