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A golden-brown chicken breast coated in crispy, herb-flecked Parmesan cheese crust, freshly baked and sitting on a rustic wooden cutting board with a sprinkle of fresh parsley garnish.
Isabella

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs optional
  • 1 tsp paprika optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer or conventional oven
  • Shallow mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • meat thermometer
  • parchment paper
  • Cooking spray
  • paper towels
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels
  2. If breasts are thick, gently pound to even 1/2-inch thickness
  3. Season chicken with salt and pepper
  4. Prepare three separate mixing bowls:
  5. In first bowl, mix flour with garlic powder
  6. In second bowl, beat eggs thoroughly
  7. In third bowl, combine Parmesan, herbs, and optional breadcrumbs
  8. Dredge each chicken breast in flour mixture
  9. Dip coated chicken into beaten eggs
  10. Press firmly into Parmesan mixture, ensuring full coverage
  11. For Air Fryer Method:
  12. Preheat air fryer to 375°F
  13. Spray basket with cooking spray
  14. Cook chicken 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway
  15. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F
  16. For Oven Method:
  17. Preheat oven to 425°F
  18. Place chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet
  19. Bake 18-22 minutes
  20. Ensure internal temperature is 165°F
  21. 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.