If you’re anything like me, there are nights when you just need a dinner that’s both easy and a little impressive. That’s exactly where this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes in! It’s golden, crunchy, packed with flavor, and seriously feels like something you’d order at a restaurant — but you made it right at home. And honestly, there’s something so satisfying about that first bite when you get the perfect crisp on the outside and juicy chicken on the inside.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I realized I needed something quick that wasn’t just another boring chicken breast. I had Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and some seasonings on hand — and after a little experimenting, this recipe became a staple. What’s even better? It’s fancy enough to serve to guests without stressing yourself out.

So, grab your apron and let’s get started because this meal is going to be a hit at your house, just like it is at mine!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Quick and easy: It comes together with pantry staples and doesn’t require much prep work.
Crispy and juicy: You get the best of both worlds — a crispy outside and juicy, flavorful chicken inside.
Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist that cheesy, garlicky coating.
Great for leftovers: Slice it up for salads, sandwiches, or wraps the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to pull off this delicious dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs are perfect if you want extra crispiness!)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds a nice smoky flavor)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first — preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
This way, once we’re done pan-frying, the oven will be nice and hot, ready to finish the job.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or you can lightly grease it if you prefer. This helps make sure our chicken doesn’t stick and stays beautifully golden.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

This step is a total game-changer for getting that perfect coating:

Bowl 1: Add the flour.
Bowl 2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
Bowl 3: Mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.

Setting up a good breading station keeps the process neat and makes sure every piece of chicken gets evenly coated.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Here’s where the magic starts:

Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. (This is super important! Wet chicken = soggy breading.)
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first. Shake off any extra.
Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
Press it into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides.

I like to press down a little when coating it with the breadcrumbs to really help everything stick. Trust me, it’s worth the extra second!

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re a beautiful golden brown.

A couple of tips here:

Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you try to fit all the chicken in at once, it’ll steam instead of fry. Work in batches if you need to.
Let it be. Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much. Let each side develop that gorgeous crust before flipping.

Once both sides are golden and crispy, it’s time to move on to the oven to finish cooking.

Step 5: Finish the Chicken in the Oven

After pan-frying, transfer your chicken breasts to your prepared baking sheet.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
(If you don’t have a meat thermometer, now’s a great time to grab one — it’s a game-changer for perfectly cooked chicken.)

This oven step ensures that your chicken cooks through without drying out. The breading stays crispy, and the inside stays juicy — basically, chicken perfection.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes.
This gives the juices time to redistribute and keeps your chicken from drying out when you cut into it.

Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and a little added flavor. Serve hot and get ready for some serious compliments.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. If you skip this step, you might end up with parts that are dry while others are undercooked.
Use Panko breadcrumbs. They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving you that irresistible crunch.
Don’t skip the flour step. It might seem tempting to cut corners, but dredging in flour first helps the egg stick, which then helps the breadcrumb-Parmesan coating stick. It’s a small step with a big payoff.
Watch your heat when frying. Medium heat is your best friend. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. Too low, and you won’t get that nice golden crust.

Variations You Can Try

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few fun ideas:

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a little kick.
Herb Lovers: Toss in some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme with the breadcrumbs for an herby twist.
Cheese Swap: Try using Asiago or Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to make it your own depending on what you have in the pantry or what you’re craving!

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this chicken ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the chicken by breading it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 8 hours before frying and baking. I don’t recommend frying it ahead, though, as it’s best served fresh and crispy.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness better than microwaving.

3. Can I freeze this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze it after it’s fully cooked. Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece individually and freeze. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy.

4. What can I serve with this chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or some buttery mashed potatoes. It’s also delicious sliced over pasta tossed with a little olive oil and Parmesan.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free Panko or breadcrumbs. Everything else stays the same.

6. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Romano or Asiago. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

7. How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading, and follow the three-step dredging process carefully (flour, egg, breadcrumb mixture). Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly so they stick better.

Conclusion

There you have it — a full guide to making Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s every bit as easy as it is delicious. This dish really does bring a little magic to your dinner table, whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends.

I love how simple ingredients come together to create something that feels so special. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s flexible enough to play with — add a little spice, swap out herbs, or pair it with your favorite side dishes. You can truly make it your own.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your tips, tweaks, or what you served it with. Sharing your kitchen wins makes this whole cooking community even more fun. Happy cooking!

GARLIC PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

Author: Mark's Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy, and full of flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the perfect dinner for any night of the week! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, lightly fried for crunch, and then finished in the oven for the perfect texture. Easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests!

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Prepare the breading stations:
Set up three shallow bowls:

In the first, place the flour.
In the second, beat the eggs.
In the third, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Bread the chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
First, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off.
Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly.

4️⃣ Pan-fry the chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the breaded chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

5️⃣ Finish in the oven:
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Crispier Chicken Tip: Using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular makes the crust extra crunchy.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add a bit of lemon zest into the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh twist.
Serving Ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4

Mark's recipes