If your family is anything like mine, serving them anything crispy and fried is sure to be a huge hit. This crispy, easy Parmesan crusted chicken is no different. My family loves this recipe because the breading keeps the chicken breasts super juicy while adding so much color and flavor. I love it for all the same reasons but also because it takes me 20 minutes to cook, from start to finish. It is the perfect easy weeknight dinner served with a simple side dish and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Chicken. I used chicken breasts but you can use boneless chicken thighs too. Thighs just require a little longer cooking time. Flour. Eggs. Breadcrumbs. Panko bread crumbs, Italian or fresh s will all work. Parmesan. Dried herbs. I just used a mix but parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme are all delicious. You can use Italian seasoning too. Garlic powder. Paprika. Salt and black pepper. Oil, for frying. I have used both olive oil and canola oil for frying. Avocado oil works well too. Lemon wedges and fresh parsley, to serve.
How to make Parmesan crusted chicken
Slice the chicken breast in half horizontally and prepare your breading station. Whisk the eggs into a wide, shallow bowl and place the seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs in two separate bowls. Grate the Parmesan into the bread crumbs and season with dried herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. Dredge the chicken cutlets first in the flour, then in the egg mixture and finally in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps. Preheat a large pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and allow to preheat. Add 2-3 chicken cutlets to the pan then allow to cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towel before serving with freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley.
Can I make this in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely. Breaded foods work very well in the air fryer. Add the breaded chicken cutlets to the air fryer basket and drizzle/spray with oil, then air fry at 200ºC/390ºF for 6 minutes, flip over and air fry for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
How to get breading to stick to chicken
Coating the chicken (or anything you want to bread) in flour first gives the eggs and in turn the breadcrumbs something to stick to.
Can you bake breaded chicken?
Yes, you can bake breaded chicken. Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF. Place the breaded chicken breasts onto a baking sheet then bake for 10-15 minutes, turning over half way through, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. You can also air fry leftover chicken. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can broil the chicken for a few minutes if you want a crispier crust.
How to reheat Parmesan crusted chicken
To reheat Parmesan crusted chicken or breaded chicken, place on a baking sheet and bake at 200ºC/400ºF for 7-10 minutes until heated through.
What to serve with Parmesan crusted chicken
Parmesan chicken is delicious served with pretty much any side dish. Mashed potatoes, salads, simple vegetables like steamed green beans or broccoli will all be delicious. It’s also great to serve a sauce or creamy sautéed mushrooms with the chicken.
