Description

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin, seasoned, and coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pan-fried to golden perfection, this dish offers a crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside, making it a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option. Serve it alongside salad or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Dredging Ingredients

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking

1/3 cup good-quality olive oil

To Serve (optional)

Lemon wedges
Freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

Prep & season the chicken: Place each chicken breast inside a large plastic bag or cover with plastic wrap. Pound with the flat end of a meat tenderizer to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and onion powder.
Assemble each dredge: Prepare three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with lightly beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs. Press firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture to coat completely, then shake off excess. Set aside on a clean plate.
Pan-fry the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 chicken breasts at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or clean plate. Repeat for remaining pieces.
Serve: Serve the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken immediately with optional lemon wedges and freshly chopped parsley alongside your favorite sides like salad or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Notes

Using a meat tenderizer to pound chicken ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
Work in batches while frying to prevent overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
Check internal temperature to confirm chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
Optional garnishes like lemon wedges and parsley add brightness and color to the dish.
Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter and crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken breast, pan-fried chicken, panko crusted chicken, easy chicken dinner