This easy Parmesan-crusted chicken is the ultimate dinner idea inspired by the classic chicken parmesan. Chicken breasts dredged in an egg mixture, coated with a crispy breading, and cooked until beautifully golden and crunchy!

Serve over pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich – the possibilities are endless for an easy chicken dinner!

Finished crusted chicken in skillet with a side of parmesan.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan-crusted chicken is an easy restaurant-quality meal from the Italian cuisine. It’s bursting with bold flavors from the parmesan and Italian seasoning. The chicken is crispy from the bread crumbs yet tender and juicy, no matter the method of cooking you choose. The whole family will love this recipe and will request it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy option. Healthier and tastes even better than Olive Garden.
  • Loved by all. A kid-approved meal.
  • Quick to make. Perfect for easy meal prep.
  • So versatile. The chicken is so versatile in the way it may be enjoyed.
Close up image of crusted chicken topped with parmesan cheese.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ingredients

The ingredients for this easy parmesan-crusted chicken recipe are simple yet blend together so well for the most delicious flavor.

  • Chicken- two boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise.
  • Butter- use unsalted butter to saute the chicken.
  • Oil- mixed with butter to cook the chicken recipe.
  • Egg- helps the parmesan crust to stick to the chicken.
  • Garlic- fresh garlic adds flavor to the chicken, but you can substitute it with garlic powder if desired.
  • Seasonings- simply use Italian seasonings and salt to give the chicken flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese- for the best flavor, shred your own parmesan from a block of cheese. If you’re out, you can use pre-grated cheese or pre-shredded cheese.
  • Bread crumbs- give the coating a nice crisp finish.
  • Flour- helps bind the breading for it to stick to the chicken fillets.
Step by step image collage of how to make crusted chicken.

How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

Have everything ready to go because this parmesan chicken recipe is such a quick recipe.

  • Prep chicken: With a sharp knife, cut the chicken breasts into halves lengthwise. Beat the chicken with a meat mallet until the chicken is even in thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Prep egg mixture: In a shallow dish, you’ll whisk together the eggs, garlic, Italian seasonings, and salt.
  • Prep breading: In a separate dish, combine the grated parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and all-purpose flour until well combined.
  • Dredge chicken: Dredge the chicken in the egg mixture, and allow any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breading, patting the mixture onto the chicken as needed. Ensure the chicken is fully coated before sauteing.
  • Cook: Heat a skillet with the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
  • Serve and enjoy, friends!

Pro Tip for Crispy Crust: Be sure to add the chicken to a hot pan and hot oil. Otherwise, the chicken will absorb the oil and will not get crispy.

Crusted chicken cut into pieces topped with greens.

Other Methods to Cook Chicken

  • Air fried: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken into the air fryer and spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray or lightly drizzle with olive oil. Cook for 8 minutes, flip the chicken, spray again lightly, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. 
  • Oven baked: You can bake the parmesan chicken, although the end result will not be quite as crispy as with a pan or air frying. To bake the chicken, preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the parmesan chicken onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Optionally, broil for a couple of minutes at the end for a crispier crust.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Chicken fingers or nuggets: You can cut the chicken into smaller strips or nuggets if you have young kids who like smaller pieces of chicken.
  • Add lemon: Squeeze lemon juice over cooked chicken for a tangy punch of flavor!
  • Gluten-free: You can substitute the breadcrumbs and flour with about 1/3 – 1/2 a cup of almond flour!
Close up of finished parmesan crusted chicken.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy this parmesan chicken in countless ways! Use these ideas to get you started:

REcipe FAQs

Why is the breading falling off the chicken?

Make sure you let the excess egg mixture drip off the chicken before adding it to the breading. When coating the chicken, make sure the chicken is fully coated before frying. If your oil isn’t hot before adding the chicken, the breading will absorb too much oil, which could cause the breading to fall off.

Can I prepare the chicken recipe in advance?

Yes, this recipe is great to prepare ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner. Whisk together the egg mixture and slice the chicken. Add the chicken to the egg mixture a few hours in advance or even overnight. When ready to cook, allow excess egg to drip off, then dredge in the breading. Cook per instructions.

Can I grill the parmesan chicken?

We do not recommend grilling this recipe, as the breading won’t stick to the chicken.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can substitute with crushed crackers, crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or simply add another tablespoon or two of flour.

Crusted chicken sided with green beans and mashed potatoes.

Store & Freeze

  • STORE: Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • FREEZE: Allow the chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Place in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat prior to serving.
  • REHEAT: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer, oven, microwave, or stovetop over low heat until warmed to the desired temperature.

More Chicken Recipes

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Author: Valentina
Crusted chicken sided with green beans and mashed potatoes.
Print
5 from 16 votes
EASY Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast recipe ready in just 15 minutes! Crispy and crunchy chicken breast on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless skinless
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, to cook
  • 2 Tbsp oil, to cook

bowl 1:

bowl 2:

Instructions

  • With a knife, slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Beat chicken with a meat mallet until even in thickness.
  • Combine all the ingredients for the egg mixture in bowl 1 and the parmesan mixture in bowl 2.
  • Dredge the chicken generously in the egg mixture, allow any excess egg mixture to drip off. Generously coat in the parmesan mixture, pat the mixture onto the chicken so it's fully coated.
  • In a skillet, over medium heat, heat butter and oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook about 3-4 minutes per side until chicken is cooked.
  • Enjoy, friends.!

Notes

  • If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, turn the heat down and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked.
  • The chicken may be marinated in the egg mixture up to one day in advance (and kept refrigerated).
  • Reheat the chicken over low heat until heated.

Nutrition

294kcal Calories8g Carbs37g Protein12g Fat6g Saturated Fat171mg Cholesterol890mg Sodium481mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar348IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C330mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 294 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 171mg57%
Sodium 890mg39%
Potassium 481mg14%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 37g74%
Vitamin A 348IU7%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 330mg33%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)