Why This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Is Amazing
- Perfectly crispy exterior with a tender, juicy interior
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Works great in air fryer or conventional oven
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Coating Enhancers
- Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Paprika (for color and mild heat)
Equipment You’ll Want
- Air fryer or conventional oven
- Shallow mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels
- If breasts are thick, gently pound to even 1/2-inch thickness
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
Creating the Perfect Coating Station
- In first bowl, mix flour with garlic powder
- In second bowl, beat eggs thoroughly
- In third bowl, combine Parmesan, herbs, and optional breadcrumbs
Coating Technique
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour mixture
- Dip into beaten eggs
- Press firmly into Parmesan mixture, ensuring full coverage
Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F
- Spray basket with cooking spray
- Cook chicken 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Place chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake 18-22 minutes
- Ensure internal temperature is 165°F
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
- Don’t overcrowd cooking surface
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with:- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Fresh garden salad
- Lemon wedges for brightness
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness
- Avoid microwave to prevent soggy coating
What makes this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe special?
This recipe is special because it offers a perfectly crispy exterior with a tender, juicy interior, takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, uses simple ingredients, works in both air fryer and oven, and is loved by both kids and adults.
How do I ensure my Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out crispy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, don’t overcrowd the cooking surface, create a three-step coating process (flour, egg, Parmesan mixture), and serve immediately after cooking to maintain maximum crispiness.
Can I store and reheat Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
You can refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F to maintain the crispy coating, and avoid using the microwave which can make the coating soggy.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Great side dishes include roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, and lemon wedges for added brightness and flavor.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
A delightful and crispy chicken dish that transforms a simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience. This recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a golden Parmesan crust, easily prepared in an air fryer or oven with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels
- If breasts are thick, gently pound to even 1/2-inch thickness
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- Prepare three separate mixing bowls:
- In first bowl, mix flour with garlic powder
- In second bowl, beat eggs thoroughly
- In third bowl, combine Parmesan, herbs, and optional breadcrumbs
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour mixture
- Dip coated chicken into beaten eggs
- Press firmly into Parmesan mixture, ensuring full coverage
- For Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F
- Spray basket with cooking spray
- Cook chicken 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway
- Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F
- For Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Place chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake 18-22 minutes
- Ensure internal temperature is 165°F
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Do not overcrowd cooking surface. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. Can be refrigerated in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness. Best served with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or fresh garden salad.
