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Looking for a delicious yet simple recipe? You’ve found it! This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Copycat dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a crunchy, cheesy meal that’ll impress everyone at your table. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty dish and elevate your dinner game!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Crispy: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan creates a wonderfully crispy texture that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner without compromising on flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with pasta, salad, or on its own; this chicken pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Family Favorite: With its savory flavors and crunchy coating, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
To make Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you need fresh ingredients. Let’s gather what you need:
– Chicken
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Coating Mixture
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
These ingredients come together to create a tasty and crispy dish. The chicken provides a great base, while the Parmesan and breadcrumbs give that crunchy, golden finish. The spices add flavor, bringing the dish to life. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each breast to about 1/2 inch thick. This step helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Breading Station Setup
Next, set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Season it with a pinch of salt and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together two large eggs and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until it’s mixed well. For the third bowl, combine 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, another pinch of salt, and black pepper.
Coating and Baking Process
Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Begin by dredging each piece in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing it firmly to stick. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the coated chicken on the sheet, making sure they are not touching. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for crispiness. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Your chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) and has a golden, crispy top. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Extra Crispiness
To make your Parmesan crusted chicken extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch. You can also mix in some cornmeal for more texture. Make sure to spray the tops with olive oil before baking. This helps the crust turn golden brown and crisp.
Storage Recommendations
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, use the oven for best results. This keeps the crust nice and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Parmesan crusted chicken with marinara sauce for dipping. It adds a tasty twist! You can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Presentation matters; serve it on a wooden board or a bright white plate. This makes your dish look even more inviting.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide a richer flavor and better texture compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier crust, dip the chicken in the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture a second time before baking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to customize the herb mix in the breadcrumb coating according to your taste. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish significantly.

Variations
Ingredients Substitutions
You can switch up the ingredients for your Parmesan crusted chicken. Here are some ideas:
– Chicken: Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
– Cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
– Breadcrumbs: Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for crunch.
– Eggs: Use unsweetened applesauce or yogurt if you want an egg-free option.
– Flour: Almond flour or coconut flour works well for a low-carb choice.
Alternative Cooking Methods
You can cook this chicken in different ways. Each method gives a unique taste and texture:
– Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 12-15 minutes. This makes it crispy and tender.
– Grilling: Preheat the grill, then cook on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. This adds a smoky flavor.
– Pan-frying: Use a skillet with a little oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden.
Flavor Enhancements
Add more flavor to your chicken with these tips:
– Marinate: Soak the chicken in lemon juice or buttermilk for a few hours. This makes it tender and flavorful.
– Spices: Mix in smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
– Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can be added to the breading for extra aroma.
– Cheese Blend: Combine different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar in the crust for a unique twist.
These variations help you create a dish that suits your taste. Enjoy experimenting with each option!
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown
Each serving of Parmesan crusted chicken has about 400 calories. This includes the chicken, cheese, and breading. If you add a side, the total calories may increase.
Macronutrient Content
This dish has a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats:
– Protein: 35 grams
– Carbs: 20 grams
– Fat: 22 grams
The protein mainly comes from chicken and cheese, making it great for muscle support.
Health Considerations
Parmesan crusted chicken can fit into a balanced diet. It provides a good source of protein, which helps with muscle repair. However, it is high in sodium due to the cheese and added salt.
For a healthier option, consider using less cheese or whole-grain breadcrumbs. Pairing this dish with a fresh salad can also boost your fiber intake. Always choose quality ingredients for the best taste and nutrition.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Parmesan Crusted Chicken gluten-free, swap regular flour and breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free flour, like almond or rice flour. For breadcrumbs, try gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. These swaps keep the dish tasty and crisp.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Just follow the same steps. Adjust the cooking time if needed. Thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What sides pair well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Parmesan Crusted Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:
– Garlic mashed potatoes
– Steamed broccoli
– Simple green salad
– Roasted vegetables
– Pasta with marinara sauce
These sides balance the flavors and make a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking!
This blog post covered how to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken. We explored ingredients, steps, and tips for success. You learned about variations and nutritional info to help you make healthy choices.
Remember, crispy chicken is just a few steps away. Experiment with flavors and cooking methods to find what you love. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty result
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 spray olive oil
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick) for uniform cooking.
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Start by dredging each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the tops are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Keyword chicken, crispy, dinner, parmesan
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