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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Herb Crunch

crispy Parmesan crusted chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy Parmesan crusted chicken breasts with a flavorful herb crunch topping, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces / 170-225g each), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese style preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each breast to an even thickness, about ½ inch (1.3 cm). Set aside.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, and minced garlic. Mix well.
  3. Set up three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb-herb mixture.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the Parmesan-herb breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly on all sides.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping too early.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 3-5 minutes.
  8. Serve garnished with lemon wedges and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to prevent crust from falling off. Maintain medium heat to avoid burning crust. If chicken is thick, finish cooking in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For baking, cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free version. Parmesan can be replaced with nutritional yeast for dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, herb crust chicken, easy chicken recipe, panko chicken, weeknight dinner, quick chicken breast