Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese coating, this chicken is golden on the outside and juicy inside. It’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets, pounded 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour (120 grams)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (112 grams)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (25 grams), grated
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (198 grams or 236.5 ml)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. Set aside.
- Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts in half, butterfly style. Pound any thick areas to 1/2 inch thickness using plastic wrap and a rolling pin or meat mallet. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Place flour on a plate. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk. In another shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Step 4: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the seasoned panko mixture. Place coated chicken on the wire rack. Repeat for all pieces and allow to rest while heating oil.
- Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (use an instant-read thermometer).
- Step 6: Fry 2 chicken breasts at a time for about 3 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to the prepared wire rack. Keep finished pieces loosely tented with foil while frying the remaining chicken.
- Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Substitute dried herbs with fresh chopped basil and oregano for a brighter taste.
- Use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino cheese for a sharper crust.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes on a greased baking sheet until golden and cooked through. Baking is a healthier alternative but may result in a slightly less crispy crust.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, plain breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work as substitutes. Keep in mind that panko gives the crispiest texture due to its larger flakes.
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts coated in a crispy, flavorful crust made from panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets, and pounded 1/2 inch thick) (453.6 grams)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breading
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour (120 grams)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (112 grams)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (25 grams), grated
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Frying
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (198 grams or 236.5 ml)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet and Rack: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. Set aside to allow excess oil to drain after frying.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to butterfly them. If any pieces are thicker than 1/2 inch, place between plastic wrap and pound thin with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up the Breading Stations: Place the flour on a plate. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the egg and milk mixture, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken on the wire rack and let rest while heating the oil.
- Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C), measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry two pieces of chicken at a time in the hot oil for 3 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Carefully remove the chicken and place it on the prepared wire rack to drain. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Serve: Once all pieces are fried and drained, serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy and delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) to achieve a crispy crust without greasy chicken.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Using a wire rack to drain fried chicken helps keep the crust crisp instead of soggy.
- The chicken breasts should be pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Leftovers are best stored refrigerated and can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Fried Chicken Cutlets, Italian Chicken, Panko Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner

