Quick & Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breasts: A Weeknight Dinner Winner!

Craving a delicious and satisfying dinner but short on time? Look no further! These quick and crispy parmesan chicken breasts are the perfect solution. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are packed with flavor. The chicken stays juicy and tender on the inside, while the parmesan coating provides a delightful crispy texture. This recipe is a surefire hit with the whole family and is versatile enough to be paired with various side dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a savory and satisfying flavor.
• Crispy Texture: The parmesan crust delivers a delightful crunch that everyone will love.
• Versatile: These chicken breasts can be served with a variety of side dishes, making them a perfect main course for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. You can use thin-cut chicken breasts for even faster cooking. About 1.5-2 pounds is generally good for 4 servings.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated parmesan cheese is essential for the crispy coating. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated parmesan often contains cellulose which can inhibit browning.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you a slightly crispier crust. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the parmesan mixture to enhance the crispiness.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the parmesan mixture adhere to the chicken breasts.
• All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour helps the egg wash stick to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: This adds a touch of herbaceous flavor to the parmesan coating. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own using a combination of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and the parmesan mixture. Use kosher salt for best results.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken breasts. You can also use vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Optional: Lemon wedges for serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing touch. Red pepper flakes can be added to the parmesan mixture for a hint of spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation (10 minutes)

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. If you’re using thin-cut chicken breasts, you can skip this step.
2. Set up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the breading station:
   • Dish 1: Place the all-purpose flour and season with salt and pepper.
   • Dish 2: Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish.
   • Dish 3: In a third shallow dish, combine the grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Breading the Chicken (5 minutes)

1. Dredge in Flour: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour. The flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
2. Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken breast into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
3. Coat in Parmesan Mixture: Press the egg-coated chicken breast into the parmesan mixture, making sure to coat it completely on both sides. Press firmly to help the parmesan mixture adhere to the chicken. This is where the crispy magic happens!

Cooking the Chicken (10-15 minutes)

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a small breadcrumb into the skillet; it should sizzle gently.
2. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the parmesan coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.

Tips for the Best Crispy Parmesan Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches will prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting and browning properly. Freshly grated parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Pound the Chicken to an Even Thickness: This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents some parts from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let the Chicken Rest: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
• Add Flavor to the Parmesan Mixture: Get creative with the seasonings in the parmesan mixture. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or some dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for added flavor.
• Toast the Breadcrumbs: For extra crispy chicken, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden brown before adding them to the parmesan mixture. This will remove any excess moisture and enhance their crispiness.
• Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A good non-stick skillet will prevent the chicken from sticking and burning, making it easier to cook and clean up.
• Consider an Air Fryer: For an even healthier version, you can cook these chicken breasts in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the parmesan coating is golden brown and crispy. You may need to spray the chicken with a little olive oil before air frying to help it crisp up.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy parmesan chicken breasts are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Pasta: Serve with your favorite pasta dish, such as spaghetti with marinara sauce, fettuccine alfredo, or penne alla vodka.
• Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. A simple salad is also a great option.
• Potatoes: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or french fries.
• Rice: A simple rice pilaf or risotto makes a delicious and satisfying side dish.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
• Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps. Add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.

Variations

• Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan mixture for a hint of spice.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the parmesan mixture for added flavor.
• Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Add lemon zest to the parmesan mixture for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add extra garlic powder to the parmesan mixture for a bolder garlic flavor.
• Gluten-Free Parmesan Chicken: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour.
• Dairy-Free Parmesan Chicken: Use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

• Prepare the Breading Station: You can prepare the flour, egg, and parmesan mixtures ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Bread the Chicken: You can bread the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy. For best results, reheat in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Recipe

Enjoy your delicious and crispy parmesan chicken breasts! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.