Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between baking or pan-frying to suit your preference and schedule.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The savory garlic-Parmesan crust appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (if baking)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the chicken.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, use a meat tenderizer to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking.
- Create the Coating:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Baking Method:
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the tops with olive oil or melted butter to enhance crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Baking Method:
- Serve:
- Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Pair with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in other cheeses such as Romano or Asiago with the Parmesan for a unique taste profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating mixture to introduce some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
3. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This can help the coating adhere better.
4. What can I serve alongside this dish?
This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including pasta, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp garden salad.
5. How do I ensure the coating stays crispy?
If baking, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process and drizzling with a bit of oil can help achieve a crispy crust.
6. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, after cooking and cooling, wrap the chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
7. What type of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
8. Can I add other spices to the coating?
Feel free to experiment with additional spices like paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs to suit your taste preferences.
9. Is it necessary to use Panko breadcrumbs?
While

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously crispy, golden-brown dish packed with bold garlic and cheesy flavors. With a crunchy Parmesan coating and juicy, tender chicken, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Choose to bake or pan-fry based on your preference, and enjoy a dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for baking)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness using a meat tenderizer for even cooking.
2. Make the Parmesan Coating:
- In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Baking Method:
- Place coated chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in Romano or Asiago for a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American