Description
Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Dinner is a weeknight lifesaver! Tender chicken coated in cheesy, crunchy goodness, ready in under 30 minutes. Pure comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 thin cutlets or 2 regular, pounded thin)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or water (for egg wash)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- Frying & Finishing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Optional Extras:
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken Cutlets:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready for our Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Dinner. If your chicken breasts are thick, grab a meat mallet (or a heavy pan, honestly, I’ve used both!) and pound them to about a 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Pat them super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for the breading to stick, trust me, I learned that the hard way. Sprinkle both sides with a good pinch of salt and pepper.
- Set Up Your Dredging Stations:: Now for the messy, but fun, part! You’ll need three shallow dishes. In the first, put your all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk those eggs with a splash of water or milk until they’re nicely combined. In the third, mix your panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute all those yummy flavors. This organized chaos makes the Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Dinner come together.
- Breading the Chicken:: Take one chicken cutlet and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture, making sure it’s completely coated on both sides. Really press it on there! That’s what gives us that amazing crispy crust. Place the breaded cutlet on a clean plate or baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken. See? Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Dinner, almost ready!
- Heat the Oil:: Grab a large skillet, my favorite cast iron pan works wonders here. Pour in enough olive oil (or avocado oil) to coat the bottom, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You want it hot enough to sizzle immediately when you drop in the chicken, but not smoking. If it’s too cool, your chicken will get greasy, and nobody wants that!
- Fry the Chicken:: Carefully place 2-3 breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Honestly, overcrowding is my biggest mistake when I’m rushing, and it just steams the chicken instead of frying. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The kitchen will smell incredible! This is the heart of the Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Dinner.
- Rest and Serve:: Once cooked, transfer the Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Dinner cutlets to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them extra crispy. Let them rest for a minute or two. This little break helps the juices redistribute, making for tender, flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then serve immediately. The outside is golden, the inside is juicy – perfection!