Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, seasoned with Italian seasoning and garlic, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 1 pound (500g) chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to season
Egg Wash:
- 2 eggs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating:
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup almond flour (not almond meal)
To Cook:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 fillets. Season generously with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning for the egg wash. Season with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the egg wash, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow it to marinate while preparing the coating.
- Prepare the Coating: In another shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Using a fork or tongs, pick up a chicken breast piece from the egg wash, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres. Repeat the process for each chicken piece, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry 2 chicken pieces at a time without moving them for about 4 minutes, allowing the coating to crisp up. Avoid moving the chicken around as it may cause the coating to peel off prematurely.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Once the coating is golden and crispy, carefully flip the chicken pieces and continue frying until they are cooked through and golden on both sides.
- Repeat the Process: Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken breasts, adding more oil and butter to the skillet as needed.
- Serve Hot: Serve the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs or alongside your favorite sides.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken just before serving for a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
- Sauce Options: Serve the chicken with a side of marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or creamy pesto for dipping, adding extra flavor and richness to each bite.
- Lemon Wedges: Accompany the chicken with lemon wedges on the side for a citrusy burst that enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Salad Pairing: Serve the crispy chicken alongside a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and balanced meal.
- Pasta or Rice: Pair the chicken with your favorite pasta or rice dish, such as creamy Alfredo pasta or fluffy jasmine rice, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover crispy Parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze the cooked chicken, arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each piece with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven until heated through and crispy.
- Meal Prep: Consider making a double batch of the crispy chicken and portioning it into meal prep containers for quick and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal on the go.
- Reheating Tip: For best results when reheating refrigerated or frozen chicken, place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
- Single-Serving Packs: If you’re meal prepping for one, wrap individual chicken pieces in foil before freezing to easily grab and reheat as needed without thawing the entire batch.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken anytime, whether as a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days, with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Variations:
- Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add minced garlic to the Parmesan coating mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the Parmesan coating for a fragrant and aromatic twist.
- Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the coating mixture for a spicy kick.
- Panko Crusted Chicken: Substitute Panko breadcrumbs for almond flour for a crunchy texture.
- Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Add lemon zest to the coating mixture for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Italian Parmesan Chicken: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs in the coating mixture for an extra burst of Italian flavor.
- Cheesy Parmesan Chicken: Mix shredded mozzarella cheese into the Parmesan coating for an extra cheesy indulgence.
- Bacon-Wrapped Parmesan Chicken: Wrap each chicken breast with bacon strips before coating with Parmesan mixture for a savory twist.
- Pesto Parmesan Chicken: Spread a layer of basil pesto over each chicken breast before coating with Parmesan mixture for a flavorful Italian-inspired dish.
- Honey Mustard Parmesan Chicken: Brush each chicken breast with honey mustard sauce before coating with Parmesan mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
- Cajun Parmesan Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning before coating with Parmesan mixture for a spicy Southern twist.
- Mushroom Parmesan Chicken: Top each chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese before coating with Parmesan mixture for a hearty and flavorful dish.
- Spinach and Feta Parmesan Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with spinach and feta cheese before coating with Parmesan mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Caprese Parmesan Chicken: Top each chicken breast with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese before coating with Parmesan mixture for a classic Caprese twist.
- Buffalo Parmesan Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken breasts in buffalo sauce after frying for a spicy and tangy flavor kick.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the coated chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the coated chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before frying or baking.
- Can I freeze the coated chicken breasts? Yes, you can freeze the coated chicken breasts before frying or baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, you can reheat leftover chicken in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
In conclusion, this recipe for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a true winner when it comes to flavor, texture, and convenience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also sure to impress your family and friends.
