Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken coats flattened chicken breasts with shredded Parmesan cheese, creating a golden, crunchy crust after pan-frying in butter and oil. The crust adheres firmly, enhancing the tender chicken beneath with a savory, cheesy texture. The garlic in the egg wash adds subtle flavor while careful cooking preserves crispness and juiciness.
Ingredients
- 500 g / 1 lb chicken breast Note 1, 2 pieces
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic minced (optional, clove
- salt
- black pepper
- 125 g / 4 oz / 1 1/4 cups Parmesan Cheese Note 2, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter (or more oil)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cut each breast in half horizontally to make 4 steaks. If they are much thicker than 1.75 cm / 3/4" thick (at the thickest point), pound a bit.
- Place egg, garlic, pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk with fork.
- Place parmesan in a shallow bowl.
- Dredge chicken in egg, then place in parmesan CUT SIDE DOWN (Note 3). Press, then turn. Coat with extra parmesan, press. Shake off excess. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Melt butter and heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Place chicken in non-stick skillet (or well seasoned cast iron skillet). DO NOT MOVE chicken otherwise the cheese will slide off surface before it adheres! It adheres once it turns crispy.
- Press down lightly with spatula. Lift a corner to take a peek and turn with tongs when it's deep golden brown (3 minutes for me).
- Cook the other side for 3 minutes or until also deep golden brown and crispy (again, do not move until golden). Lightly press down with spatula. Don't cook longer than 6 minutes in total - dries out the chicken.
- Serve immediately! I served mine with lemon slices, Cauliflower Mash and a Fennel Slaw with Yoghurt Dressing (Note 5).
Notes
- Use store-bought shredded Parmesan for best crust texture; avoid finely grated or sandy types.
- Flatten chicken breasts evenly and press extra Parmesan on the flat cut side for a thicker, crispier crust.
- Cook without moving the chicken initially to let the crust adhere and brown properly.
- Serve with a fresh fennel slaw dressed with yogurt and lemon to balance the rich crust flavor.
- Do not bake the chicken as moisture prevents the Parmesan crust from crisping effectively.
- The recipe suits cuts with flat surfaces; thighs or tenderloins don’t develop the crust as well.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 378
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 164g | |
| Calories | 378cal | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.