Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Perfection

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: Easy, Crispy, and Baked to Perfection

Craving a delicious and satisfying chicken dinner? Look no further! This parmesan crusted chicken recipe delivers a cheesy, crunchy coating with a juicy interior, all baked to golden brown perfection in under 40 minutes. Get ready for a family favorite that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.

Platter of three Parmesan Crusted Chicken breasts

Why This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Works


This isn’t your average, boring chicken dinner! Parmesan crusted chicken elevates a simple ingredient into something truly special. The key is the flavorful, crunchy crust, which isn’t just about taste and texture. It also acts as a shield, locking in the chicken’s natural juices and ensuring a tender, moist, and delicious result.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s baked, not fried. This means you get all the satisfying crunch without the extra oil and mess. Simply dip, dredge, and coat the chicken breasts in a mouthwatering mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then pop them in the oven. The oven does the rest, transforming the chicken into a weeknight wonder.

If you are looking for different ways to crust your chicken, you might like to try
almond crusted chicken or
pretzel crusted chicken.

Experiment with different seasonings and flavor combinations to create your own signature parmesan crusted chicken. The possibilities are endless!

Sliced Parmesan Crusted Chicken on a plate with green beans

Ingredients You’ll Need for Parmesan Crusted Chicken


Find the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Ingredient Information and Substitution Suggestions for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken


To ensure your parmesan crusted chicken turns out perfectly, let’s dive into the details of each ingredient and explore some helpful substitution options:

CHICKEN: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the ideal choice for this recipe. To ensure even cooking, trim the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Uneven thickness can result in some parts being overcooked while others are still undercooked. Don’t discard the trimmings! Save them for soups, stews, or even to make
garlic chicken.

BREADCRUMBS: The type of breadcrumbs you use can significantly impact the texture of the crust. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for their light and airy texture, which creates a wonderfully crispy coating. However, you can also use homemade breadcrumbs, which offer a heartier, more rustic texture. For a unique twist, try using crushed crackers or even potato chips as a coating.

EGG: The egg serves as a crucial binder, helping the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken breasts. Without the egg, the breadcrumbs would likely fall off during baking, resulting in an uneven and less satisfying crust.

PARMESAN: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is highly recommended for its superior flavor and texture. However, if you’re short on time or don’t have fresh parmesan on hand, the bottled variety will also work. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may not be quite as pronounced.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions


These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to guide you through the process of making this delicious recipe. For a printable version of the recipe, complete with measurements and instructions, simply
Jump to Recipe
at the bottom of this post.

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with a wire rack. The wire rack elevates the chicken, allowing air to circulate and ensuring a crispy crust on all sides.
  2. Trim chicken of excess fat. Trim to even thickness.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into a breading tray.
  4. In another breading tray, whisk the egg with the water. The water helps to thin the egg slightly, making it easier to coat the chicken evenly.
  5. Dip each chicken breast, one at a time, in the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Lift and allow any excess egg to drip off before placing it in the breadcrumb mixture.
    chicken breast in a breading tray with egg and water
  6. Place the egg-coated chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, turn it over, and gently press to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated chicken breast on the wire rack in the baking dish.
    Chicken breast coated in parmesan and breadcrumb mixture
  7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the remaining chicken breasts.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
    parmesan and breadcrumb coated chicken breast in a baking pan lined with a wire rack

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips


What temperature should chicken be cooked to?

The recommended internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use an
instant-read thermometer
inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness. The juices should run clear when the chicken is fully cooked.

How should I store leftover parmesan crusted chicken?

Store leftover parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How do I reheat parmesan crusted chicken and keep it crispy?

For the best results, reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through. Microwaving the chicken will make it soggy, so avoid it.

Close up photo of slices of Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken


Parmesan crusted chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

  • Garlic butter pasta
  • Rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • A crisp dinner salad

Or a veg on the side such as green beans, broccoli, or
roasted carrots.

I enjoyed this chicken for dinner, and the leftovers were delicious too. Sliced up, it makes a great snack even when cold, or served chilled over salad!

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try


  • Marry Me Chicken
  • Oven Fried Chicken
  • Chicken Parmesan
  • Chicken Milanese

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Plate of Parmesan Crusted Chicken cut into slices with green beans on the side

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Quick and easy parmesan crusted chicken dipped and dredged in a cheesy breadcrumb mixture makes weeknight dinners actually tasty!