Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner: Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish is fabulously crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and filled with those warm, satisfyingly cheesy flavors that make every bite memorable. With a crunchy Parmesan and panko crust, a gentle hint of garlic, and a gorgeous golden finish, this chicken is wonderfully simple to put together and has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Whether you crave something easy or want to impress company without a fuss, Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken always delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes from a handful of good-quality ingredients that each bring their own flair—crispiness, savoriness, aroma, and color. Don’t skip or swap: every element has a purpose in creating the perfect crust and a juicy, flavorful interior.
- Chicken breasts: Pounded to even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay extra juicy.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds that irresistible salty, nutty crunch to the crust—always use freshly grated if you can.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an airy, ultra-crispy exterior that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.
- Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with gentle, toasty garlic flavor—no chopping required!
- Paprika: Gives the crust its gorgeous golden hue and a whisper of smokiness.
- Salt: Just a touch is all you need to perk up the cheesy crust and the chicken itself.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle back note of heat that balances the richness.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps the crust turn spectacularly crispy and golden as it bakes.
- Egg: Acts like culinary glue, ensuring the crust clings to every inch of chicken.
- Water: Loosens the egg for perfect coverage.
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges (optional): Brighten up the finished dish and make it pop visually and in flavor.
How to Make Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that perfect “oven-fried” crunch. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or simply grease it lightly to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick. Gather all your ingredients and pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness—this helps them bake evenly and stay succulent.
Step 2: Mix and Whisk
In one shallow bowl, crack the egg, add a tablespoon of water, and whisk vigorously until totally combined. In a second bowl, stir together the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This aromatic blend will become the flavorful golden armor for your chicken breasts.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast first in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then transfer it to the Parmesan-panko bowl, pressing gently to really pack that mixture onto every surface of the chicken. Don’t be shy—this is where all that glorious crispiness comes from!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each with olive oil; this helps the crust turn a stunning golden brown. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked all the way through and the crust is beautifully crisp. For an extra-crunchy finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes out piping hot and irresistibly crispy, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and squeeze lemon wedges over the top. This turns weeknight chicken into something truly special—fresh, vibrant, and ready to devour.
How to Serve Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley creates a burst of color and a fresh herbal aroma that cuts through the cheesy richness, while a squeeze of lemon juice wakes up all the flavors on your plate. You can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan right out of the oven for extra wow.
Side Dishes
Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken is absolutely divine next to fluffy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. For something heartier, try buttery noodles or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken into strips and serve over Caesar salad for a modern twist, or tuck it into sandwiches with arugula and aioli for a gourmet lunch. For a fun family-style dinner, cut into tenders and serve with dips—kids and adults both love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool before storing so the crust stays as crisp as possible.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, cool the cooked chicken completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken in a 350°F oven on a lined baking sheet for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch but the crust won’t be as crunchy (though the flavor will still shine).
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly juicier than breasts and soak up all those cheesy, garlicky flavors just as well. Just watch the bake time—they may need a couple of extra minutes depending on thickness.
Is it OK to use pre-grated Parmesan?
Pre-grated Parmesan will work in a pinch but freshly grated Parmesan creates a crispier, more flavorful crust for Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken. If you have time, grate your own for the very best results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version—just double-check the packaging to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag, then use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook at the same rate and stay extra juicy.
Can I prep Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time?
You can! Bread the chicken up to a few hours in advance, then refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray until you’re ready to bake. This actually helps the crust adhere even better, making dinner a total breeze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both comforting and a little bit showy, Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the answer. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Give it a try and let it become your family’s new favorite, too!
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Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy coating. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
Breading Mixture:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In another bowl, combine Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat in the Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Broil for extra crispiness.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or Italian dressing before breading.
- This recipe is versatile and can be made with chicken tenders or thighs.
- Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
