Parmesan Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Totally Delicious

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Parmesan Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Totally Delicious



Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make Parmesan Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin or sliced into cutlets)

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Olive oil or butter for frying

How to Make Parmesan Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.



Step 2: Set up the Breading Stations

Place three shallow dishes side by side. In the first dish, put all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together eggs. In the third dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.


Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, press both sides of the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a good, even coating.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering and the butter is melted, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.



Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Preheat your oven broiler. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the stovetop. Spoon your favorite marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and more grated Parmesan cheese.



Step 6: Broil

Carefully place the skillet under the preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly golden brown. Watch it closely to prevent burning.



Step 7: Serve

Remove the skillet from the broiler. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve your delicious Parmesan Chicken immediately with pasta, a side salad, or your favorite vegetables.



Pro Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and crispiness.

  • Panko breadcrumbs give an extra-crispy texture.

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.

  • For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley after cooking.

Tasty Variations to Try

  • Parmesan Chicken with Marinara: Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then bake until bubbly for a Chicken Parmigiana vibe.

  • Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

  • Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Cut chicken into strips for a fun finger food that kids will love.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with spaghetti and marinara sauce.

  • Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato for a killer sandwich.

  • Enjoy with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting dinner.

How to Store & Reheat

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep that crispy texture (avoid microwaving if you can—it softens the coating).

Nutritional Info (per serving)

  • Calories: ~400

  • Protein: 35g

  • Carbs: 15g

  • Fat: 20g

This makes Parmesan Chicken a satisfying meal with a great balance of protein and flavor!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Parmesan Chicken

Craving a delicious, crispy chicken dinner? Parmesan Chicken is one of those timeless recipes that delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch with every bite. It's a staple in many homes and restaurants, thanks to its irresistible combination of tender chicken, savory Parmesan cheese, and crunchy golden coating. But before you dive into cooking, it helps to know both the advantages and disadvantages of Parmesan Chicken—especially if you're thinking about adding it to your regular meal rotation.

In this SEO-friendly guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Parmesan Chicken so you can decide if it’s the right dish for your next meal!

Advantages of Parmesan Chicken

1. Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a chef to cook Parmesan Chicken. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

2. Crispy & Juicy

Parmesan Chicken gives you that perfect contrast—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.

3. Budget-Friendly

Chicken breasts, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs are affordable staples, so this dish is great for feeding your family without breaking the bank.

4. Crowd-Pleaser

Everyone—from kids to adults—loves the comforting flavors of Parmesan Chicken. It’s a reliable favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings.

5. Versatile

You can serve it in so many ways: with pasta, in a sandwich, over a salad, or paired with roasted veggies. The options are endless!

6. Great for Meal Prep

Parmesan Chicken stores well and is easy to reheat, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.

Disadvantages of Parmesan Chicken

1. Can Be High in Calories

Since Parmesan Chicken is typically pan-fried in oil or butter, it can be high in calories and fat—something to be mindful of if you’re watching your intake.

2. Not Ideal for Low-Fat Diets

The crispy coating and Parmesan cheese make this dish rich and indulgent, which may not fit into strict low-fat diets.

3. Can Lose Crispiness When Reheated

If you reheat Parmesan Chicken in the microwave, the crispy coating can become soft. The best way to reheat is in the oven or air fryer.

4. Not Naturally Gluten-Free

Since the coating usually includes breadcrumbs and flour, Parmesan Chicken is not gluten-free unless you specifically use gluten-free alternatives.

5. Requires Some Frying

Though easy to make, the frying step can leave a bit of a mess in your kitchen. Baking is an alternative but may not yield the same crispiness.

Conclusion

Parmesan Chicken is one of those must-know recipes that every home cook should master. It’s crispy, juicy, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish never disappoints. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!

FAQs

1. Can I bake Parmesan Chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes (flip halfway) until golden and cooked through.

2. Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely—just adjust cooking time as needed since thighs can take a bit longer.

3. Is it okay to freeze Parmesan Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Parmesan Chicken. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.

4. What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. Avoid pre-shredded or powdered Parmesan.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Sure! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.


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