Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Imagine transforming a plain chicken breast into a culinary masterpiece that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! You're about to embark on a simple yet impressive cooking adventure that'll elevate your weeknight dinner game. Parmesan-crusted chicken isn't just a meal; it's a crispy, cheesy experience that'll have everyone asking for your secret. Want to know how to create this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen? Keep reading, and you'll soon be crafting a chicken recipe that's both elegant and incredibly delicious.

Recipe Highlights

• Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and create a coating mixture of Parmesan cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning.
• Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Achieve a crispy, golden crust by maintaining proper oil temperature and avoiding overcrowding in the pan during cooking.
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to preserve juiciness and serve with complementary sides like roasted vegetables or salad.

History

While the precise origins of Parmesan-crusted chicken are somewhat murky, the dish likely emerged from the rich culinary traditions of Italian-American cuisine in the mid-20th century.

You'll find its roots deeply embedded in immigrant communities, where home cooks transformed simple ingredients into delectable meals. The technique of coating meats in cheese isn't new; it's a classic method that draws from European breading traditions.

• Immigrants brought regional cooking techniques
• Cheese-crusting evolved from traditional European practices
• Italian-American kitchens popularized the method

Cheese was readily available, and chicken was an affordable protein, making this dish a perfect intersection of economic necessity and culinary creativity.

You can trace its popularity through mid-century cookbooks and family recipe collections, which celebrated simple, flavorful preparations.

Recipe

Parmesan crusted chicken is a delightful dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a crispy, golden masterpiece. By coating tender chicken in a savory Parmesan cheese mixture, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal that's both elegant and easy to prepare.

The key to perfect Parmesan crusted chicken lies in the technique of breading and cooking. A combination of fresh Parmesan cheese, eggs, and seasonings creates a flavorful crust that seals in the chicken's natural juices while providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, which ensures uniform cooking. In one shallow dish, beat the eggs. In another dish, combine the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, adding a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully coat with the Parmesan cheese mixture. Press the cheese firmly onto the chicken to create a complete, even coating.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The key is to avoid moving the chicken too much while cooking, which helps the crust stay intact and develop a beautiful crispy texture.

For the best results, let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior melting and crispiness, and consider serving the chicken immediately to maintain its crunchy exterior.

If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and a tender result.

Next, dip each breast into beaten eggs and then thoroughly coat it with the seasoned Parmesan mixture, creating a crispy, golden exterior.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully place your breaded chicken into the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the crust is beautifully golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 1. Pound Chicken to Even Thickness

Grab your meat mallet or rolling pin and prepare to transform those chicken breasts into perfectly even cutlets. First, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent splatter and mess.

With firm, controlled strokes, pound the meat until it reaches an even 1/2-inch thickness. Work from the center outward, using gentle but consistent pressure to create a uniform width.

Key pounding tips:

• Use moderate force
• Move in consistent motions
• Aim for evenness, not extreme thinness
• Check thickness with a ruler if needed

This technique ensures your chicken will cook evenly, preventing dry edges or undercooked centers. An uniform cutlet means each bite will be perfectly tender and consistently cooked through.

Step 2. Dip Chicken in Eggs

Crack two large eggs into a shallow dish and whisk them until they're smoothly blended, creating the perfect binding agent for your Parmesan chicken coating. The eggs will help the cheese mixture stick securely to each chicken breast, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Your whisking technique matters: blend the eggs thoroughly, eliminating any stringy, unincorporated whites. You'll want a uniform yellow color with a consistent texture.

Hold the dish at a slight angle to make dipping easier, and use one hand for eggs, keeping your other hand clean for the cheese mixture.

• Whisk briskly
• Create smooth consistency
• Ensure complete egg incorporation
• Position dish for easy dipping

Dip each pounded chicken breast into the eggs, coating both sides completely and letting excess drip off before moving to the Parmesan coating.

Step 3. Coat Chicken in Parmesan Mixture

Transfer the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into a shallow dish, whisking them together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the grated cheese.

Use your fingers or a fork to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each cheese particle is coated with fragrant herbs. You'll want a uniform mixture that'll create a consistent, crispy coating on your chicken.

Next, take each egg-dipped chicken breast and carefully press it into the Parmesan mixture. Coat both sides generously, using your fingertips to pat the cheese firmly onto the surface.

Make sure every inch is covered, creating a thick, even layer that'll transform into a golden, crispy exterior when cooked. Gently shake off any excess cheese to prevent burning.

Step 4. Heat Skillet With Oil

Since a perfectly crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken requires precise heat management, select a large, heavy-bottomed skillet that distributes temperature evenly.

Pour the olive oil into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom with a thin, uniform layer. Heat the skillet over medium heat, watching for the oil to shimmer and become slightly rippled—this indicates it's ready for cooking.

• Aim for medium heat (around 350°F)
• Use a skillet with high sides to prevent oil splatter
• Check oil temperature by dropping a small breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately

Don't overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and create soggy chicken.

Place each breaded chicken breast carefully into the hot oil, allowing space between pieces for even browning. The first side should develop a golden-brown crust within 5-7 minutes.

Step 5. Cook Until Golden

Once the skillet's oil shimmers with that perfect golden promise, you'll want to gently lay each Parmesan-coated chicken breast into the pan, ensuring they're not touching.

Listen for that satisfying sizzle, which signals the start of your golden-brown transformation. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes, watching for a rich, even color that hints at crispy deliciousness.

Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken, maintaining the delicate cheese crust. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; you're aiming for 165°F to ensure food safety.

The Parmesan will caramelize, creating a stunning golden-brown exterior that's both crunchy and flavorful. Move the pan occasionally to prevent burning, and adjust heat if the cheese browns too quickly.

Your patience will reward you with a perfectly crusted chicken.

Final Thoughts

While Parmesan crusted chicken might seem like a simple dish, it's a culinary technique that can truly transform your home cooking skills. You'll find that mastering this recipe opens up a world of delicious possibilities.

Practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't restaurant-quality. Pay attention to details like:

• Evenly pounding chicken
• Maintaining proper oil temperature
• Using fresh Parmesan cheese
• Checking internal temperature

The key is confidence and precision. Remember that each time you prepare this dish, you'll improve your technique.

Experiment with different seasonings, try alternative cheese blends, and make the recipe your own. With practice, you'll create a crispy, golden-brown chicken that'll impress your family and elevate your home cooking game.