Name: Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (roughly 2 pounds); Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, lightly whisked; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs; Heaping 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup olive oil, divided

There’s something magically satisfying about biting into golden-crisp chicken with a cheesy, flavorful crust. This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe brings together crunchy panko, savory Parmesan, and juicy chicken that’ll have you coming back for seconds — trust me, it’s worth every bite!

The image shows a white speckled plate with crispy breaded chicken sliced into four strips, topped with a bright green herb sauce and sprinkled with grated cheese. To the side, there is a fresh salad made of mixed green leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, and pine nuts. A small white bowl filled with more green herb sauce is placed at the top left of the plate, along with two lemon wedges at the bottom left. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with golden utensils and a striped cloth nearby. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe has become a go-to favorite in my kitchen, and I think you’ll love making it too. It’s effortlessly elegant, packs bold flavor, and uses pantry staples — all while turning out perfectly crispy with a tender interior.

Quick and simple: You can have perfectly cooked chicken breasts on the table in under 30 minutes, even on a busy weeknight.
Unbeatable texture: The combination of panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a juicy inside with that crave-worthy golden crust.
Versatile dish: It shines on its own or as a hearty topper for salads, pastas, or even alongside creamy risotto.
Simple ingredients: You won’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and fresh chicken breasts to wow your family or guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s chat about the ingredients — each one plays a vital role in making this crispy Parmesan chicken just right, plus I’ll toss in some tips to help you shop or substitute if needed.

Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts arranged neatly, a small mound of fine all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, two whole brown eggs with clean shells placed side by side, a small white ceramic bowl filled with a mixture of golden panko breadcrumbs, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, and grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl holding a shimmering pool of golden olive oil, kosher salt crystals and coarse ground black pepper scattered delicately around the ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6-7 ounces each. Pound them thin for even cooking and maximum crust coverage.
All-purpose flour: This light dusting helps the egg adhere to the chicken better, so don’t skip this step!
Eggs: Whisked eggs act as the perfect glue to keep the panko and Parmesan crust in place during cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and airier than regular ones, which means a crunchier coating you'll adore.
Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs: Adds an extra layer of flavor and seasoning that makes the crust super tasty.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan boosts the crispiness and gives a nutty, cheesy punch that’s just irresistible.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for pan-frying; it helps brown the crust beautifully without burning.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Season both the chicken and the breading layers well — salt is your friend here for flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the mood or pantry contents — and I encourage you to do the same! Whether adding herbs or switching up the sides, making this recipe your own is part of the fun.

Variation: One time, I tossed a bit of crushed red pepper into the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick — it was a game changer for a cozy fall dinner.
Gluten-free option: Swap the flours and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions and you’ll get the same crunch without the gluten.
Herb boost: Fresh chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top brightens the dish beautifully just before serving.
Cheese swap: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different twist on that cheesy crust.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe

The image shows a white round plate on a white marbled surface with a crispy golden-brown fried cutlet placed slightly right of center. To the right of the cutlet is a fresh green salad with different leafy greens, small tomato pieces, and thin slices of cheese scattered on top. Above the cutlet, there is a small white bowl filled with green pesto sauce, textured and shiny. To the left of the cutlet, a bright yellow lemon half rests against the plate edge. On the left side of the plate, a gold fork and knife are placed on a black and white striped cloth napkin. The cutlet is sprinkled with coarse salt and chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Pound the Chicken Thin and Season

Start by covering each boneless chicken breast with plastic wrap and pounding it out to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step isn’t just for show — it ensures even cooking and more crust per bite. Season both sides with kosher salt and pepper, then set aside. This simple prep makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.

Step 2: Prep Your Breading Stations

Grab three plates or shallow bowls. Put the flour in one, the lightly whisked eggs in the second, and mix the panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese in the third. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to each. This “assembly line” method helps the breading stick perfectly and saves you mess and stress.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, making sure the coating adheres evenly. Don’t rush this step — press firmly and get as much coverage as possible for that amazing crunch.

Step 4: Pan-Fry Until Golden Crisp

Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, swirl to coat the surface evenly. Cook chicken breasts in batches — two at a time works best to avoid overcrowding the pan — for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the crust turns a glorious golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Add more oil for the second batch if needed. Transfer cooked breasts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain briefly.

Top Tip

I’ve tried lots of crispy chicken recipes, but what really makes this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe stand out is patience during breading and cooking. Taking the time to properly press the coating and cook in batches gives you that perfect crust without sogginess.

Don’t skip the flour step: The flour creates a dry surface for the egg to stick to, which helps keep the crust firmly attached.
Press the crumbs firmly: If the crumbs aren’t well-adhered, they’ll fall off while frying.
Control your heat: Too high and the crust burns before the inside cooks; too low and it won’t crisp up well. Medium-high is your friend here.
Avoid overcrowding: Crowding cools the pan and causes steaming, so fry in batches for max crispiness.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil — it adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that balances the rich crust. A lemon wedge on the side is perfect for squeezing over just before digging in; the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings with this recipe include a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky sautéed green beans, or creamy risotto. Pasta tossed simply in olive oil and fresh herbs is another fast, delicious side that complements this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served these chicken cutlets sliced over a bed of lemon rosemary risotto with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and microgreens. It looks stunning and feels super special without extra fuss. You could also layer slices atop a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon for a lighter approach that still hits all those crave-worthy textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel beneath the pieces to soak up any extra moisture and keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover crispy parmesan chicken before with good results. Just cool completely, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months and makes a great quick meal when thawed and reheated.

Reheating

To keep the crust crispy when reheating, I recommend warming chicken in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes rather than the microwave. This way, the chicken stays juicy inside and the crust gets that lovely crunch back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will yield a juicier result with a slightly different texture. Just be sure to pound them to even thickness for best results, and adjust cooking time as needed since thighs are a bit thicker and fattier.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should feel firm but not hard.

Can I bake this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method yields a crispy crust with less oil, though pan-frying gives the chicken a slightly deeper golden color and texture.

What sides pair best with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast?

Classic sides like Caesar salad, pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs, sautéed green beans, or creamy risotto complement this chicken beautifully. For a lighter meal, serve it over fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe has a special place in my kitchen and heart because it's both comforting and impressive without fuss. I hope you enjoy making it for your family or friends as much as I do — it's truly the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something a little more delicious and fun.