Name: Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (roughly 2 pounds); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, lightly whisked; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs; heaping 1/2 cup grated parmesan; 1/3 cup olive oil, divided; kosher salt, to season; ground black pepper, to season

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a chicken breast that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe gives you exactly that—a golden, cheesy crust with juicy chicken beneath. Trust me, it’s a dinner game-changer.

The image shows a white speckled plate with a cut piece of crispy fried chicken on the right side, topped with green herb sauce and some white cheese bits. To the left, the chicken is sliced into strips with the green sauce drizzled over each slice. Near the chicken, there is a yellow lemon wedge with some of the green sauce around it. Above the chicken on the plate, there is a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cherry tomato halves, and some pine nuts. At the top left of the plate, a small white bowl holds extra green herb sauce sprinkled with red chili flakes. The entire plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, I make this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe whenever I want a simple, impressive dinner without fuss. What makes it special is that perfect crunchy cheese crust that's so easy to get right—it feels fancy but only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.

Crunchy, cheesy crust: Parmesan combined with panko breadcrumbs creates a crust that’s crispy and full of flavor you won’t want to stop biting into.
Juicy chicken inside: Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness so it cooks just right—no dryness here!
Simple ingredients, big impact: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it an easy weeknight winner.
Versatile serving options: It pairs beautifully with salads, pasta, or rice for an all-around crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that irresistible texture and flavor in this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping and prepping.

Flat lay of four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small bowl of all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a simple white bowl filled with a mixture of golden panko breadcrumbs, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with rich golden olive oil, a small white bowl of kosher salt, and a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even ¼ inch thickness helps them cook quickly and evenly, locking in juiciness.
All-purpose flour: Creates a light base layer so the egg washes and crumb coating stick better to the chicken.
Eggs: Acts as the glue that holds the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture on the chicken.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide that extra crunchiness and lighter texture that regular breadcrumbs can’t mimic.
Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs: Bring additional herbs and flavor note, so you get a bit more complexity in each bite.
Grated parmesan: Adds salty, nutty flavor and is key in giving the crust that savory cheesy richness.
Olive oil: Use enough to shallow fry the chicken to a golden crust without it getting soggy or greasy.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors and balances the cheesy crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to change things up depending on the mood and occasion with this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. It’s so flexible that you can easily add your own twist and make it your signature dish.

Variation: Sometimes I swap half the plain breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes to get an even crunchier texture—totally worth it!
Gluten-free option: Try gluten-free panko or crushed nuts like almonds in place of breadcrumbs for a tasty alternative.
Herb boost: Adding fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture adds a fragrant, fresh layer.
Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the crust gives just enough heat to liven up the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

A white speckled plate on a white marbled surface holds a crispy, golden-brown breaded cutlet sprinkled with coarse salt and chopped green herbs, placed next to a fresh green salad with bright red cherry tomato pieces and thin white cheese shavings. A small white bowl with green chunky pesto sauce sits on the plate near a bright yellow lemon wedge. Gold-colored fork and knife rest on the left side of the plate on a black and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Pound and Season the Chicken

Start by placing one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound it until it’s about ¼-inch thick. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly so every bite stays juicy. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Repeat with the remaining breasts and set aside.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

I like using three shallow dishes here—for the flour, the egg wash, and the parmesan breadcrumb mix—so movement is super easy. On one plate, spread the all-purpose flour. On the second, lightly whisk two eggs. On the third, mix panko breadcrumbs, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, and lots of grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle each with a bit of salt and pepper to season evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Layers

Take one chicken breast, dust it lightly with flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg, letting the extra drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the parmesan breadcrumb mix, coating every surface. I like to gently press to make sure the crust sticks well and creates that golden, crunchy crust. Repeat with the other breasts and place on a plate.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Perfect Crispiness

Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the oil to coat the pan, then carefully add two chicken breasts—not overcrowding the pan, as you want them to crisp up nicely. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Transfer to a plate. Add more oil if needed and repeat with the remaining breasts. Serve immediately.

Top Tip

From experience, the key to this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is managing the thickness of your chicken and the oil temperature. Here are my go-to tips so you nail it every time.

Uniform Thickness: Pounding the chicken evenly is not optional if you want consistent cooking—and no dry edges!
Oil Temperature Control: Medium-high heat is ideal—too hot and the crust burns, too low and it gets soggy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches for the crispiest crust instead of steaming the chicken.
Press the Crust on Well: Firmly pressing the parmesan and breadcrumbs onto the chicken helps it stay put and form that perfect crust.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

crispy Parmesan chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil. The brightness of lemon cuts through the richness, and herbs add a fresh note that makes the dish pop every time.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe shines alongside a crisp Caesar salad or garlic butter roasted vegetables. For heartier meals, I often pair it with creamy risotto or simple pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs—comfort food made elegant.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the chicken thin and layer it over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refined look that will impress guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust as crispy as possible before reheating, I place a paper towel under the chicken pieces to absorb moisture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat in a 375°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. This helps bring the chicken up to temperature without softening the crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep it crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will lend extra juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust cooking times slightly as thighs might take a minute or two longer.

How do I get the crust to stick better on the chicken?

Make sure to follow the three-step breading process: flour, egg, and then the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture. Pressing the crust firmly onto the chicken before cooking also helps it adhere better. Avoid skipping the flour step as it creates a dry surface for the egg to grip.

Is it possible to bake the Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet or wire rack, and spray the tops lightly with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time and cook later?

You sure can! Bread the chicken as directed and then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can actually improve flavor as the crust sets nicely. Just bring it to room temperature before frying for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s so reliably delicious and fast. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m treating myself to something special without the fuss. I hope you give it a try—once you do, it’ll probably make its way into your regular rotation, too. Enjoy making it your own and happy cooking!