Name: Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-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 cheese; 1/3 cup olive oil, divided; Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a golden, crunchy chicken coated in cheesy goodness. This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe delivers exactly that – a perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful that’ll quickly become your go-to on busy weeknights or casual dinners.

A white plate holds a sliced, golden-brown breaded chicken cutlet with a crispy texture, topped with dollops of bright green pesto and sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and chopped chives. To the right is a fresh green salad with leafy lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and pine nuts, adding specks of red and yellow. A small white bowl on the top left contains more green pesto sauce with olive oil and red chili flakes floating on top. A lemon wedge sits on the plate's bottom left, with some pesto spread nearby. The whole scene is set 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 love sharing this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe because it brings comfort food to a whole new level — easy, quick, and bursting with flavor. I keep coming back to it myself when I want something impressive but fuss-free.

Crispy, Cheesy Perfection: The crust delivers an irresistible crunch paired with the savory punch of Parmesan cheese every single time.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand already—no complicated or exotic ingredients needed.
Quick Weeknight Winner: You can have dinner on the table in about 25 minutes, perfect when you’re juggling everything but still want homemade.
Versatile Serving: It pairs beautifully with salads, pasta, or veggies, so you can mix and match depending on what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe uses simple, well-loved ingredients that come together beautifully. The mix of panko and Italian breadcrumbs creates a light but crunchy coating, while Parmesan adds richness and a deep, nutty flavor. Here’s why each one matters:

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts arranged symmetrically, a small mound of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, two large whole uncracked brown eggs beside a small white bowl with lightly whisked egg mixture, a white bowl filled with a mix of golden panko breadcrumbs, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, and heaping grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich golden olive oil, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a few twists of freshly ground black peppercorns scattered neatly nearby, all placed 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

Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin for quick cooking and even crisping.
All-purpose flour: Creates a base that helps the egg stick perfectly to the chicken.
Eggs: These act as the glue for the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix, keeping the crust intact during cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs: These big, airy crumbs are essential for that coveted crunch.
Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs: Adds a subtle herb flavor that complements the Parmesan.
Grated Parmesan: The star of the crust—nothing beats its salty, umami kick.
Olive oil: For frying, it browns the crust without burning, helps keep the chicken juicy inside.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Don’t skip this! Proper seasoning makes all the difference.

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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

One of the things I love about this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what’s in your pantry or your mood. Feel free to get creative — you can customize the crust or the seasoning to fit your taste perfectly.

Variation: Sometimes I add a touch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mix for a little smoky depth. It’s a subtle change but really elevates the flavor.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter version, you can use baking spray instead of olive oil and bake the chicken in the oven at 425°F until crisp, about 20 minutes.
Seasonal change: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary in summer — it feels fresher and brighter.

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

A white plate holds a crispy, golden-brown fried cutlet with a crunchy texture, sprinkled lightly with coarse salt and small green herbs. To the right of the cutlet, there is a fresh green salad made of leafy lettuce mixed with cherry tomato halves and small cheese shavings. At the top left of the plate, a small speckled white bowl contains a thick green pesto sauce. A lemon wedge sits next to the bowl on the plate. A gold fork and knife rest on the left side of the plate over a gray and white striped cloth. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Flatten for Even Cooking

Start by covering each chicken breast with plastic wrap. I use a meat mallet to gently pound them out to about ¼ inch thickness. This step isn’t just about tenderizing—the uniform thickness ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out or burning the crust.

Step 2: Prep Your Dredging Stations

Set out three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Season each lightly with salt and pepper. This assembly line makes the coating process smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat with Love

Lightly dust each chicken piece in flour, shake off the excess, then dip into the egg, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. Don’t be shy about pressing it on—that’s how you get that thick, crunchy crust that holds up when cooking.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Crunch

Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 chicken breasts at a time—avoid crowding the pan so they crisp up nicely. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Add more oil if needed before frying the remaining pieces.

Top Tip

From countless times making this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make a world of difference in the result.

Even Thickness: Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness is key—you’ll get perfect crust and juicy interior every time.
Press Your Crust: When coating chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, press firmly to make sure it sticks. It prevents patchy crust and falling off during cooking.
Hot Pan, Not Smoking: Heat your oil until shimmering but not smoking; that balance helps create a crispy crust without burning.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Too many pieces at once create steam, not crispiness. Cook in batches for the best crunch.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this chicken with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh herby touch. A little freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a nice kick.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe shines alongside a crisp Caesar salad or buttery garlic mashed potatoes. Pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs makes a simple but delicious match too.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I serve the chicken stacked over a bed of sautéed spinach with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For something a bit fancier, lay slices on a platter with colorful roasted vegetables and sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the top right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds its flavor well, though the crust softens a bit, so reheating properly is key.

Freezing

This chicken freezes nicely if you want to batch cook. I freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken on a baking sheet first to avoid sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake or pan-fry straight from frozen, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Reheating

To keep the crust crispy, I reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave. This revives the crunch instead of turning it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter alternative, you can bake the chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Spritz the crust with a bit of oil to help it crisp up in the oven.

How do I make sure the crust sticks well to the chicken?

The key is in the dredging process: first coat the chicken in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Pressing helps the crust adhere and prevents it from falling off while cooking.

What’s the best way to pound the chicken breasts evenly?

Using a meat mallet works best to gently tap the chicken to about ¼ inch thickness. If you don’t have one, a rolling pin or even a heavy pan can do the trick just fine. Make sure to cover the chicken with plastic wrap first to avoid mess.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work too and offer a juicier option. You might want to adjust cooking time slightly, cooking a bit longer until fully cooked through. Thighs also pair wonderfully with the Parmesan crust.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it never fails to deliver that satisfying crunch and rich, savory flavor that makes dinner feel like a treat, even on hectic nights. I really hope you give it a try—you might find yourself making it as much as I do, whether for a cozy family meal or impressing friends with minimal effort.