Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

The Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Sinking your fork into a succulent garlic parmesan chicken that melts with incredible flavor.

Crispy golden edges hint at the deliciousness waiting on your plate.

Home cooks adore this simple yet restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in minutes.

Mediterranean herbs and sharp parmesan cheese create an irresistible coating for tender chicken breasts.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and rich notes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

She’ll be asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Tasty Ways to Switch Up Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar and add red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that brings warmth and depth to the classic chicken recipe.
  • Herb Garden Infusion: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed herb-seasoned crackers and mix fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary into the coating for a vibrant, garden-fresh taste that elevates the chicken's herbal notes.
  • Crispy Almond Coating: Incorporate finely ground almonds into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and use almond flour instead of regular flour for a nutty, gluten-free version that adds extra crunch and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Ranch Style Transformation: Mix ranch seasoning powder into the breadcrumb coating and serve with a homemade ranch dipping sauce to create a crowd-pleasing ranch-inspired chicken that kids and adults will love.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken FAQ Guide

  • What makes the Parmesan coating so crispy?

The combination of flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs creates a perfect crunchy exterior. The Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor and helps the coating stick to the chicken while providing a golden-brown crispness.

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both work great! Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs have more moisture and flavor. Just ensure you pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking, which can make the meat dry and tough.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can bake the chicken instead of frying. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400F (200C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This reduces oil usage while maintaining a crispy texture.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken So Flavor-Packed

  • Savor Flavor-Packed Coating: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning creates an incredibly rich and aromatic crust that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
  • Master Foolproof Cooking Technique: This recipe offers a simple three-step coating method that guarantees a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Enjoy Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable to multiple serving styles, this chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or impressive weekend meal for family and guests.
  • Experience Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 15-20 minutes of prep time and straightforward cooking instructions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

What You’ll Need for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the main dish, boneless and skinless for easy preparation, choose fresh or thawed chicken.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a dry surface for egg and breadcrumb adhesion, regular kitchen flour works best.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breading stick to chicken, use fresh large eggs.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, flavorful exterior with rich cheese taste, use grated Parmesan for best results.
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Adds layers of savory and aromatic flavors to the coating, use fresh ground spices for maximum taste.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden brown crust and prevents sticking, use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes, choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Easy Directions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Easy Directions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Get your chicken ready for an amazing transformation. Gently pound each piece to create an even surface that’ll cook perfectly. If you’re using the oven, warm it up to a toasty 400F (200C).

Step 2: Create Coating Magic

Set up three shallow dishes for your flavor adventure:
  • Flour (first station)
  • Beaten eggs (second station)
  • Coating mixture containing
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Transform your chicken into a crispy masterpiece:
  • Dust each piece with flour, letting excess fall away
  • Dive into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage
  • Press firmly into the cheesy breadcrumb mixture, creating a beautiful golden armor

Step 4: Sizzle and Cook

Bring your skillet to life:
  • Warm olive oil over medium heat
  • Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the pan
  • Cook until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown
  • Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F (75C)

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Transfer chicken to a beautiful serving plate. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Add extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Pair with pasta, crisp salad, or roasted vegetables.

Top Tips for Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Tenderize Thoroughly: Pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Customize Coating Crunch: Mix panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs for extra crispy texture that stays crunchy longer.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and ensure golden-brown exterior without raw interior.
  • Avoid Moisture Mishaps: Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breading stick better and create crispier crust.
  • Dietary Swap Hack: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.

How to Save and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat to 350F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the garlic and Parmesan flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of the breaded chicken.
  • Match with Zesty Salad Companion: Create a fresh contrast by serving a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which will balance the chicken's savory coating and provide a bright, tangy counterpoint.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes seasoned with herbs, offering a nutritious and flavorful side that echoes the Italian-inspired seasonings of the chicken.
  • Finish with Creamy Garlic Aioli: Whip up a quick dipping sauce using mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to elevate the chicken's already delicious flavor profile and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken delivers a mouthwatering symphony of Italian-inspired flavors for weeknight dinner champions. Rich herb-crusted chicken emerges golden and crispy, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Coating and Seasoning:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 23 tablespoons (1 ½ cups) olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Preheat the culinary workspace to a toasty 400F (200C), preparing for a golden-crusted chicken experience.
  2. Tenderly flatten the chicken breasts with a meat mallet, creating an uniform canvas for the upcoming flavor transformation.
  3. Orchestrate three distinct culinary vessels: one for flour, another for whisked eggs, and the final destination – a harmonious blend of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Embark on the coating ritual by gently dusting each chicken piece in flour, allowing excess to cascade back into the dish.
  5. Submerge the floured chicken into the beaten egg bath, ensuring a complete liquid embrace.
  6. Lovingly press the egg-kissed chicken into the seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, creating a robust, crispy armor.
  7. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, inviting a gentle sizzle.
  8. Nestle the coated chicken into the skillet, allowing each side to transform into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
  9. Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 165F (75C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
  10. Transfer the magnificently crusted chicken to a welcoming serving plate, adorning with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan.
  11. Present alongside complementary companions like pasta, crisp salad, or roasted vegetable medley.

Notes

  • Achieve consistent thickness by gently pounding chicken breasts between plastic wrap for uniform cooking and tender results.
  • Customize coating texture by using panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness or gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions.
  • Monitor oil temperature while pan-frying to prevent burning; medium heat ensures golden-brown exterior and juicy interior without overcooking.
  • Transform leftovers into delicious chicken salad or sandwich filling by slicing chicken thinly and storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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