While the exact origin of Parmesan Crusted Chicken is not well-documented, it draws inspiration from Italian cuisine, particularly dishes like Chicken Parmesan and Milanese, which feature breaded and fried proteins with rich, cheesy flavors. The use of Parmesan cheese, a staple in Italian cooking, ties this dish to its European roots. The popularity of Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be attributed to its delightful combination of textures and flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. The dish’s adaptability allows for creative variations, ensuring it never gets boring. Whether baked or fried, served with a simple salad or a more elaborate side, Parmesan Crusted Chicken remains a beloved dish in many households.
Why is this the best recipe?
Flavorful Coating: The combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates a deliciously crispy and flavorful crust that perfectly complements the tender chicken breast. Moist and Tender Chicken: The batter made with yogurt and mustard not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist and tender during cooking, preventing it from drying out. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry ingredients that are easy to find, making it accessible for home cooks without the need for special trips to the store. Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs well with a wide variety of sides, from fresh salads to hearty roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Crowd-Pleaser: The crispy, cheesy crust and juicy chicken are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients and substitutes
Chicken Breasts: Main protein of the dish, providing a lean and tender meat base. Chicken thighs (for a juicier option), turkey breast (for a different flavor profile), or tofu (for a vegetarian version). All-Purpose Flour: Helps the batter adhere to the chicken, creating a base layer for the coating. Gluten-free flour, cornstarch (for a lighter, crispier texture), or almond flour (for a nutty flavor and gluten-free option). Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, helping the batter stick to the chicken. Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), or buttermilk (adds tang and helps with adhesion). Plain Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the batter, keeping the chicken tender. Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or buttermilk. Dijon Mustard: Adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. Yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or a small amount of prepared horseradish for a different flavor kick. Garlic Powder: Adds a concentrated garlic flavor to the batter. Fresh minced garlic (1 clove per teaspoon of garlic powder), or garlic salt (reduce added salt accordingly). Onion Powder: Adds a sweet, savory onion flavor to the batter. Finely grated fresh onion, or onion salt (reduce added salt accordingly). Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and color to the batter. Smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor), or cayenne pepper (for a spicier kick, use less). Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy texture to the chicken’s outer layer. Panko (for an extra crunchy texture), crushed crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy crust. Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option). Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken, adds flavor, and helps achieve a crispy crust. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the frying process. Margarine, ghee, or clarified butter.
Step by step: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thinner pieces. Place the chicken pieces between plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season with salt and pepper. Make the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Prepare the Coating: In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off. Press each battered chicken piece into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness by pounding them with a meat mallet. This helps them cook evenly and prevents parts from drying out while others are still undercooked. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Season Generously: Season the batter and breadcrumb mixture well. The right amount of seasoning ensures the chicken is flavorful inside and out. Let Excess Batter Drip: After coating the chicken in the batter, let any excess drip off before dredging it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. This helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from becoming soggy. Press Coating Firmly: Press the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even, well-adhered coating that will stay on during cooking. Preheat the Skillet: Make sure the skillet is preheated and the oil is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to a less crispy crust. Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful. Keep Warm in Oven: If cooking in batches, keep the finished pieces warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C) while you finish cooking the rest. Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thinner pieces will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Experiment with Herbs: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme to the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture for added flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
Herb-Infused Crust: Add a variety of fresh or dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. Options include basil, thyme, rosemary, or parsley. This adds a burst of flavor and a fresh aroma to the crust. Spicy Kick: Mix cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture for a spicy variation. You can also add a bit of hot sauce to the batter for an extra kick. Lemon and Herb: Add finely grated lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor. Serve the chicken with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Cheddar Crusted: To create a different cheesy flavor, substitute part of the Parmesan with sharp cheddar cheese in the breadcrumb mixture. This creates a rich, tangy crust that pairs well with the chicken. Pesto Crusted: Mix a few tablespoons of basil pesto into the batter. This adds a vibrant green color and a rich, herby flavor to the chicken. Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture and serve the chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a chicken Parmesan-inspired dish. Honey Mustard: Add honey and Dijon mustard to the batter for a sweet and tangy flavor. Serve the chicken with a honey mustard dipping sauce.
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