If you’ve ever wanted to create a restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen, Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the recipe for you. This dish combines crispy textures with rich, savory flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. The golden, crunchy crust made with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs provides a delightful contrast to the tender, juicy chicken inside. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s versatile, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Whether baked or pan-fried, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko) | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Italian seasoning (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Large eggs (beaten) | 2 |
| Olive oil or melted butter | 2 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking the chicken.
2. Make the Coating
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s completely coated.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan mixture, covering all sides evenly. Shake off any excess coating.
4. Cook the Chicken
For Baking:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the coated chicken breasts on top.
- Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the chicken for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
For Pan-Frying:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, ensuring they’re golden brown and cooked through.
5. Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
Why This Recipe Works
1. A Perfectly Crispy Crust
The combination of Parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs creates a crunchy texture that’s hard to resist.
2. Simple Ingredients
With just a few pantry staples, you can create a meal that’s both affordable and gourmet.
3. Versatile Cooking Options
Whether baked or pan-fried, this recipe adapts to your kitchen setup and preferences.
4. Packed with Flavor
The garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning infuse every bite with rich, savory goodness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lighten up the plate with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of fettuccine Alfredo for an indulgent twist.
- Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad complements the richness of the chicken.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 470mg |
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Thinner, even pieces ensure quicker cooking and better texture.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t Skip the Drizzle: Adding olive oil or butter before baking enhances crispiness and flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking will dry out the chicken, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
FAQs About Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free Panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To maintain the crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes meal prep a breeze.
5. Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes, the air fryer is a great option! Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. How can I add more flavor to the coating?
Feel free to mix in paprika, cayenne pepper, or lemon zest for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
The Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a winner for anyone seeking a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Its crispy crust and tender meat make it an irresistible dish that you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you bake or pan-fry it, serve it with a side of pasta or veggies, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a homemade dish that’s sure to impress!
Print
Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Crispy, Flavorful, and Effortless
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Looking for a meal that’s crispy, savory, and easy to make? This Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken will be your new favorite go-to dish! With a crispy, golden Parmesan crust and tender, juicy chicken, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s a simple way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen without spending hours cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness for more even cooking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking the chicken. - Make the Coating
In a medium bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. - Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press the chicken into the Parmesan mixture, covering all sides evenly. Shake off any excess coating. - Cook the Chicken
- For Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the coated chicken on top. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the chicken for extra crispiness. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes to redistribute the juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Crispy Crust: The Parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy, golden crust that’s irresistibly good.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples for a gourmet-quality dish.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose to bake or pan-fry based on your preference.
- Packed with Flavor: Garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning infuse the chicken with rich, savory goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (baking) or 8–10 minutes (pan-frying)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
