Parmesan Crusted Chicken stands out with its crispy, golden-brown topping and juicy chicken beneath. This dish melds the sharp, nutty flavor of parmesan with creamy provolone, creating an irresistible experience in every bite. From the moment you take a bite, the crunch of panko breadcrumbs and the warmth of melted cheese will leave you craving more. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for entertaining guests.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Parmesan Crusted Chicken

I first discovered Parmesan Crusted Chicken while dining at a local steakhouse, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of tender chicken and cheesy crust is simply comforting and satisfying, making it one of those recipes I knew I had to recreate. And the best part? It’s easy, delicious, and budget-friendly. So, if you’re looking for a show-stopping main dish that’s sure to impress, try making this delightful recipe at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a prep time of around 10 minutes, dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of parmesan and provolone creates a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden, crispy, and cheesy chicken is sure to impress guests or family alike.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion. Serve it alongside a salad or some roasted veggies!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adjust the recipe to fit gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise: This lean cut keeps the dish juicy while allowing for a delightful crisp on the outside.
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided: Grated cheese provides a nice balance of texture and flavor. Using good quality cheese really enhances the overall taste.
½ cup shredded provolone cheese: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor. You can also substitute mozzarella if provolone is not available.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided: Butter contributes to the richness of the dish and helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with chicken.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic for a well-rounded seasoning profile.
½ teaspoon salt or to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust according to your preference.
½ teaspoon pepper or to taste: Adds a little background heat. Feel free to use freshly cracked black pepper for better flavor.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give a fantastic crunch while keeping the dish light.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Preheat the Grill Pan: Begin by heating a grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken; this helps achieve those lovely grill marks.
Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the chicken lovely flavor before cooking. Brush this mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip to the other side. The chicken should be starting to get nice grill marks at this point.
Mix the Cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of the parmesan cheese with the shredded provolone. This cheesy mix is what will take your chicken to the next level.
Add the Cheese: Top each breast with the cheese mixture and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill pan and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil. This step will help with easy cleanup later.
Preheat the Broiler: At this point, preheat your oven’s broiler to high. This will give your topping a nice crispy finish.
Prepare the Panko Topping: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese and the last 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This mixture will create a crispy topping that’s simply delightful.
Top the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture over the cheese-topped chicken breasts. This adds that perfect crunch.
Broil Until Golden: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. You want the tops to be golden and crispy.
Let it Rest: Once broiled, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This rest period lets the juices settle back into the chicken, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful when you cut into it.

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, let the Parmesan Crusted Chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong its shelf life, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. While reheating, you might notice slight changes in texture, but a quick broil can help recover some of that crispy goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly but not overdone, as dry chicken is not pleasant. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
To save time, you can prep your panko topping while the chicken cooks.
For added depth of flavor, consider sprucing up your panko mixture with herbs like thyme or basil.
Sicilian or garlic panko can provide unique textures and tastes, so have fun with your choices.
If your topping isn’t browning as you’d like, a few extra seconds under the broiler can help, just watch it!

It’s remarkable how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. Experiment with the cheeses or serve it over pasta with marinara for a delightful twist. Dig into this wonderful meal, and enjoy not just the taste but the joy of cooking and sharing with loved ones!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer bone-in chicken, just adjust your cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through. Bone-in chicken usually takes longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to reach 165°F for safety.

What should I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. You can even serve it with pasta to soak up any accompanying sauces or flavors.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, and you’ll have a delicious dish that anyone can enjoy! Make sure to check all labels for hidden gluten.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can pre-cook the chicken and prepare the cheese topping ahead of time, then assemble and broil just before you’re ready to eat. This will keep things fresh and crispy for serving.

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Grilling and Broiling
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the irresistible flavor of Parmesan Crusted Chicken, crafted with juicy chicken breasts and a delightful cheese topping. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner and is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese divided
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture on each chicken breast.
Cook the chicken breasts on the grill pan for 3-4 minutes, then flip them.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of parmesan cheese with provolone cheese and set aside.
Top the chicken with the cheese mixture and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill pan and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this over each chicken breast.
Broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the broiler and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Adjust seasonings to your preference for a personalized flavor.
Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Let the chicken rest to keep it juicy before slicing.