Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a savory, cheesy twist. A golden crust of Parmesan and breadcrumbs infused with garlic hugs tender chicken breasts, creating a flavorful bite every time. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style work best)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs (beaten, for dredging)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prep the Chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch) for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels. - Set Up Dredging Station:
- In one bowl, beat the eggs.
- In another bowl, mix the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix to fully coat. Press gently to help it stick. - Bake or Pan-Fry:
- Oven Method: Place coated chicken on prepared sheet. Lightly drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Skillet Method: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until crust is golden and chicken is cooked through.
Servings
- Serves 4 people
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.):
- Calories: 400–450
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 12–15g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
Values may vary based on breadcrumb and cheese types used.
Notes & Tips
- For extra crispiness: Use Panko breadcrumbs and bake on a wire rack.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cheese tip: Don’t use pre-shredded Parmesan—it won’t melt or crisp as well.
- Add fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) to the coating for a pop of freshness.
Health Benefits
- High in protein – great for muscle repair and satiety
- Garlic and Parmesan provide flavor without needing heavy sauces
- Baked version keeps it lower in fat than deep-frying
- Customizable to fit low-carb and keto diets with simple swaps
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I air fry this?
A: Absolutely! Preheat air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: What should I serve it with?
A: It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, Caesar salad, or pasta.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes! Coat the chicken and store in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can freeze the breaded uncooked chicken. Flash freeze on a tray, then store in bags for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs work great—just adjust cook time to ensure doneness.