Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Recipe – Crispy Oven-Baked Dinner Favorite

Why Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Is a Weeknight Hero

When dinner needs to be quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken steps up as the ultimate weeknight hero. With its crispy golden coating, juicy interior, and oven-baked simplicity, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss of frying.

It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining—easy to scale, easy to serve, and always satisfying. The combination of Parmesan and breadcrumbs creates a flavorful crust that crisps beautifully in the oven, while the chicken stays tender and moist.

Whether you pair it with pasta, salad, or roasted veggies, this recipe is a reliable favorite that’s both comforting and versatile. Let’s get cooking!

What Is Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken?

Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring boneless chicken breasts or thighs coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and crisp.

Inspired by classic Italian flavors and comfort food staples, it’s a lighter alternative to fried chicken cutlets, with all the crunch and flavor you crave. The crust is seasoned with garlic and herbs, and the chicken is baked to juicy perfection.

Popular variations include:

• A garlic butter base brushed on before coating
• A mayonnaise layer for extra moisture and richness
• A cornflake crust for added crunch and a gluten-free twist

It’s a dish that’s easy to customize and always delivers on taste.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken:

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Pound to even thickness for uniform cooking

Crust Mixture

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Binding Station

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for richer coating)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for extra crispiness)
• ½ cup crushed cornflakes (for crunch)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or basil

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and adds deeper flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease or spray with cooking oil.
2. Pound Chicken Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for consistent cooking.
3. Set Up Dredging Stations
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (or mayo mixed with a splash of water)
   • Bowl 3: Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper
4. Coat the Chicken Dip each piece in flour, then egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to coat evenly.
5. Bake the Chicken Place coated chicken on the wire rack. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Optional Broil For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Tip: The wire rack allows hot air to circulate, helping the crust crisp evenly without sogginess.

Taste & Texture Profile

This dish delivers a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors:

• The crust is crispy and golden, with a nutty richness from the Parmesan and a light crunch from the panko.
• The chicken stays juicy and tender, thanks to the oven-baking method and even thickness.
• Seasonings like garlic powder and parsley add aromatic depth, while salt and pepper balance the flavors.
• The overall taste is lightly salty, savory, and comforting, with a hint of Italian flair.

Serve it with a squeeze of lemon, a side of marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce—it’s a versatile dish that never disappoints.