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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast

crispy Parmesan crusted chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe delivering a crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust with juicy, tender chicken breasts inside. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces / 170225 grams each), patted dry
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 grams)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 60 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the middle position.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to an even ¾-inch (2 cm) thickness if needed.
  3. In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides.
  5. Heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a skillet until shimmering. Sear chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crusty.
  6. Transfer skillet to oven or move chicken to a baking sheet if skillet is not oven-safe. Bake for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crust sticks and crisps well. Pound chicken to even thickness for even cooking. Sear before baking to lock in juices and create a golden crust. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use gluten-free crusting options.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken, panko crust, quick dinner, juicy chicken