If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bursting with savory flavors, you’re in the right place. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without much fuss. The crunchy Parmesan and Panko coating gives the chicken a golden crust that sings with every bite, while hints of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of paprika deepen the flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll easily become one of your most requested go-to recipes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six white bowls and one white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. The white plate at the bottom holds four raw pale pink chicken fillets overlapping each other. Above the plate, a large white bowl contains pale yellow grated cheese. To the right, another large white bowl is filled with light beige breadcrumbs showing a coarse texture. At the top right, a smaller white bowl is divided into four parts with different spices: dark red, pale yellow, and grey-green specks mixed evenly. Next to it is another small bowl with thick white mayonnaise or sour cream. At the far left, a small bowl holds a swirl of yellow mustard, while below it, another small bowl contains a square of pale yellow butter sitting in a pool of olive oil, which is light greenish-yellow. The setting is bright and clean, with the food items clearly visible, and the photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe plays an important role, from creating that irresistible crust to ensuring the chicken stays moist. These simple yet essential components come together to build rich flavor, satisfying texture, and beautiful color on your plate.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 breasts), cut into 4 cutlets: Thin pieces cook quickly and evenly, perfect for a crisp crust without drying out.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps the Parmesan mixture stick beautifully to the chicken.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang that lifts the flavors in the coating.
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that delivers salty, nutty richness to the crust.
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an ultra-crispy, light texture.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that gives the crust an aromatic, savory depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic adds warmth and savory punch to each bite.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness and enhances the golden color of the crust.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper: Basic seasoning to elevate every flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil + more as needed: Used for frying, it helps achieve that perfect golden sear.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter + more as needed: Adds rich flavor and moisture during cooking.
Fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for serving: Brighten the dish and add a fresh, zesty garnish.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. If you prefer, you can pound them gently to an even thickness. This step is essential—it helps the chicken cook evenly and allows the crust to form into a delicate, crisp layer that won’t overpower the tender meat inside.

Step 2: Create the Coating Mixtures

In one shallow bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and cracked pepper. This creamy blend ensures the crust will cling beautifully. In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and more salt and pepper. This savory mixture is where all the delicious crispy texture and flavor comes from.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

First, toss the chicken cutlets in the mayo-mustard mixture so they are evenly coated. Then, dredge each piece carefully in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. This two-step process is the secret to achieving that perfect golden crust packed with flavor.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. When the butter melts and the oil shimmers, place the chicken cutlets in the pan without crowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, allowing a dark, golden crust to form. You may need to work in batches depending on your pan size—add more oil and butter as necessary during cooking to keep the crust rich and crispy. The chicken is perfectly cooked when the crust is deep golden and the inside is juicy and no longer pink.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the cooked chicken with a pinch of finishing salt and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges to add a bright, tangy contrast that beautifully complements the rich crust. Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

The image shows four pieces of breaded chicken placed on a metal baking tray. Each chicken piece is covered evenly with a thick layer of golden-brown breadcrumbs with a coarse, crumbly texture. The pieces vary in shape but all have an oval to slightly irregular form. The baking tray has a slightly worn, matte finish with some crumbs scattered around the chicken. The tray sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges not only adds visual appeal but also bursts of freshness that perfectly balance the richness of the crust. The lemon juice adds a zesty lift, cutting through the richness and making every bite sing.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides. Think garlic butter green beans, roasted asparagus, or a vibrant arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light risotto also complement the texture and flavors beautifully without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Parmesan Crusted Chicken and serve atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a colorful vegetable sauté for a stunning plate. For a casual touch, serve in sandwich form with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a smear of aioli on crusty bread—an unforgettable twist on lunch or dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but reheated properly, it retains much of its crispiness and fantastic flavor. Keep lemon wedges separate until serving to maintain their fresh brightness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that golden crust, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving directly, as it softens the coating. A quick warm-up in a hot skillet with a little oil or butter also works beautifully to refresh the texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be more forgiving because they stay moist. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs are thicker and need a few extra minutes to cook through.

What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but the crust will be less crispy and lighter in texture. For a crunchier result, try crushing some crackers or cornflakes as a DIY substitute.

Is mayonnaise necessary in this recipe?

Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and helps the coating stick really well to the surface. If you prefer, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangier option or use mustard alone for a different flavor profile.

Can I bake the Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You might miss some of the buttery pan-fried flavor but save on oil and cleanup.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The crust will be golden brown and crisp, and when cut, the meat should be opaque and juicy with no pinkness inside.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is one of those irresistible dishes that feels both insanely delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try soon—you might find this irresistible golden crust becomes your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

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