Introduction
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines crispy, golden-brown texture with the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, elegant dinners, or as a flavorful addition to salads and sandwiches. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy, savory crust.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, salads, or on its own with a side of vegetables.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to get kids to enjoy chicken with a cheesy, crispy coating.
Ingredients
To prepare this Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, resulting in four pieces total.
- Place the chicken pieces between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Set Up the Dredging Stations
- In the first shallow dish, mix flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In the second dish, beat the eggs until well blended.
- In the third dish, combine panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve
- Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken warm, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: It melts better and provides a richer taste than pre-packaged cheese.
- Pound the chicken evenly: This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Don’t skip the dredging process: Coating the chicken in flour, eggs, and panko mixture ensures a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Cook over medium heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the crust before the chicken is fully cooked.
- Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter and crispier coating.
Serving Suggestions
- With Pasta: Serve alongside creamy Alfredo pasta or marinara spaghetti.
- In a Salad: Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh Caesar salad.
- In a Sandwich: Use in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a delicious chicken sandwich.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.
FAQs
1. Can I bake this instead of frying it?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are boneless and pounded to an even thickness.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
4. Can I freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
5. What’s the best way to reheat without losing crispiness?
Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection with every bite. Whether you fry it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven, this recipe guarantees a delicious meal that will impress your family and guests. With its crunchy Parmesan crust, juicy chicken interior, and burst of citrus from lemon wedges, this dish is a must-try! Give it a go today, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!