Welcome to the only Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe you’ll ever need. If you’re searching for a dish that is incredibly simple to make, packed with flavor, and delivers a satisfyingly crispy crunch every single time, you’ve found it. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal perfect for a busy weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Forget dry, bland chicken; we’re making a masterpiece that’s tender and juicy on the inside with a golden, cheesy crust on the outside.
This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a solution to your dinner dilemmas. Using just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile. We’ll walk through every step to ensure your chicken comes out perfectly, so let’s get cooking!
Why This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
There are many ways to make Parmesan chicken, but this recipe is specifically designed for maximum flavor and texture with minimal effort. Here’s what sets it apart:
Unbeatable Crunch: We use a specific combination of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crust that stays incredibly crispy when baked.
Juicy & Tender Interior: Our method ensures the chicken stays moist and tender, perfectly complementing the crunchy exterior.
Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this is the ideal recipe for a quick weeknight meal.
Pantry Staples: You likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients needed in your kitchen right now.
Getting that perfect, even coating is key to a super crispy crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here are the key players that come together to create this amazing Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best flavor and melt. Avoid the pre-shredded kind if you can.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier crust.
Mayonnaise: This is our secret ingredient! It acts as a binder, keeping the chicken incredibly moist and helping the crust adhere perfectly.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide a foundational layer of savory flavor.
Dried Parsley: Adds a touch of color and a mild, herby note.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Parmesan Crsted Chicken
Follow these simple steps to achieve a flawless, crunchy crust and juicy interior. It’s easier than you think!
1. Prepare the Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If they are thick, place them between two sheets of parchment paper and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This is the key to ensuring they cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Spread this mixture evenly over the top and sides of each chicken breast. This mayonnaise layer is what keeps the chicken from drying out and gives the crust something to stick to.
Just a few simple ingredients stand between you and this delicious dinner.
3. Create the Parmesan Crust
In a separate shallow dish, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Press each mayonnaise-coated chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating on all sides. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). There’s no need to flip the chicken; the bottom will brown nicely on its own.
Expert Tips for the Crispiest Chicken
Want to take your Parmesan Crusted Chicken to the next level? Follow these pro tips.
Don’t Skip Pounding: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is non-negotiable for even cooking.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and has a much richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Press the Coating Firmly: Make sure the breadcrumb mixture is well-adhered to the chicken to prevent it from falling off during baking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken breasts space on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate, which helps them get crispy.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside our famous Crockpot Mac and Cheese. It also goes wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bed of pasta. For a truly hearty dinner, try it with a side of Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain its crispiness, the oven or an air fryer is your best bet. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the crust soggy.
Yes, absolutely! To make this in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked and the crust is golden.
The key to a crispy crust is using Panko breadcrumbs and not overcrowding the pan. Also, ensure you’re baking at a high enough temperature (400°F/200°C). When reheating, always use an oven or air fryer, not the microwave.
You can, but the texture will be different. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and create a much crispier, crunchier crust. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, the recipe will still work, but the coating will be denser.
There are two secrets! First, pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks quickly without drying out. Second, using mayonnaise as a binder not only helps the crust stick but also seals in moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken.
As written, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the Panko breadcrumbs. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs, which are available in most grocery stores.
Enjoy Your Delicious Dinner!
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a game-changer for weeknight meals. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for its simplicity and incredible flavor. We hope you and your family love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest!
You won't believe how crispy and juicy this baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is!
FL Recipes
Parmesan Crusted Chicken: The Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Recipe
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with a perfectly crispy, cheesy crust and an incredibly juicy interior. It's quick, easy, and made with simple pantry staples, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Spread this mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and dried parsley. Press each mayonnaise-coated chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 42gFat: 25gFiber: 1g
Notes
Tip 1: For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray before baking. Tip 2: Feel free to add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning or paprika, for a different flavor profile.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
