Name: Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; ¾ teaspoon flakey sea salt; ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped plus more for garnish

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If you’re craving comfort food that’s both crowd-pleasing and unexpectedly easy to pull off, you can’t go wrong with Parmesan Chicken. This dish is a beautiful marriage of juicy chicken, punchy herbs, and a golden parmesan crust that delivers in both flavor and wow-factor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, and the leftovers (if there are any) are heavenly. Trust me: once you’ve tried this, it just might become your go-to dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the secret to great Parmesan Chicken. This short list packs a punch—each item adds its own unique boost of taste, tenderness, or appetite-worthy color. Gather these pantry staples and you’re already halfway to dinner bliss!

Chicken breasts: Large, boneless pieces stay juicy and soak up all the flavor; slice for even cooking.
Flakey sea salt: Enhances all the ingredients and keeps the chicken extra savory.
Cracked black pepper: Adds an aromatic, subtle heat that pairs perfectly with parmesan.
Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
Garlic (minced): Freshly minced cloves deliver intense flavor in every bite.
Onion powder: A reliable way to add sweet depth without needing fresh onions.
Lemon or lime juice: Bright acidity balances the richness—use freshly squeezed for best results.
Butter (melted): Keeps the chicken moist and helps caramelize the edges during baking.
Olive oil: Intensifies the flavor and helps everything crisp up beautifully.
Freshly grated parmesan: The star! A medium grate keeps the crust light and nutty.
Dried Italian herbs or oregano: Earthy aromatics tie together all the flavors—choose your favorite blend.
Dijon mustard: Brings tanginess and depth to the marinade.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of heat that wakes up the taste buds.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley not only looks gorgeous, but also adds a fresh, herby pop at the finish.

How to Make Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Breasts

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make four thinner cutlets—this ensures even cooking and maximizes that glorious crust-to-chicken ratio. If you have a rolling pin or meat masher, give them a gentle pound so they’re all the same thickness. This way, every piece ends up cooked just right—tender inside and perfectly golden outside.

Step 2: Season Like You Mean It

Lay out your chicken cutlets and generously season them with flakey sea salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder, lemon or lime juice, smoked paprika, dijon, Italian herbs (or oregano), and a tablespoon of olive oil. Use your hands to work the seasonings into every nook and cranny—the more evenly coated, the better. This layer isn’t just about flavor; it’s what helps the Parmesan Chicken stay lively from the inside out.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Topping

In a bowl, stir together melted butter, the remaining olive oil, grated parmesan, minced garlic, half a teaspoon of paprika, parsley, and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if you like things with a subtle kick. You want a slightly chunky, spreadable mixture that will blanket the chicken with a gorgeous salty, buttery crunch.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place your seasoned chicken cutlets in a baking dish, making sure there’s some space between them. Spoon the parmesan mixture evenly over each piece, pressing lightly so it sticks. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes—the exact time depends on how thick your cutlets are. Check for doneness (an internal temp of 165°F means you’re golden), and you’ll smell that irresistible roasted parmesan aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, give your Parmesan Chicken a shower of fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and makes the entire dish feel restaurant-worthy, even if you’re just enjoying it at the dinner table in your comfiest clothes.

How to Serve Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is my favorite way to finish Parmesan Chicken. If you’re feeling extra, try a little more cheese or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Even a few lemon zest shavings can elevate the look and flavor effortlessly.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings always shine—serve with warm pasta, a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or buttery mashed potatoes. For lighter fare, try roasted vegetables or a peppery arugula salad tossed with a zingy vinaigrette. Anything that sops up the delicious juices is a good match!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual Parmesan Chicken cutlets over creamy polenta on elegant dinner plates for a dinner party, or slice them on a diagonal and layer over a plate of pasta for a cozy weeknight meal. For a fun twist, try making Parmesan Chicken sliders on toasted buns with a bit of marinara or basil aioli—it’s comfort food with serious style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Parmesan Chicken stores beautifully. Let leftovers cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor tends to deepen overnight, making the second round even tastier!

Freezing

To freeze, simply wrap individual chicken cutlets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for about two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a quick meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Parmesan Chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the crust crisp rather than soggy. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven is your best bet to revive that golden exterior.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work brilliantly in this recipe—they’ll be even juicier. Just adjust the bake time, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to fully cook through.

Do I have to freshly grate the parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan is the best choice for Parmesan Chicken, giving you a gooey, melty texture and authentic flavor. Pre-grated or bagged cheese can work in a pinch, but it won’t melt quite as beautifully or taste as rich.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part and make sure there’s no pink in the center and the juices run clear.

Can I make Parmesan Chicken gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, since there’s no breading required. Just double-check that your parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free if that’s important for your diet.

What’s the best way to get a super crispy topping?

Don’t skimp on the parmesan, and be generous with the olive oil and butter mixture on top! If you want extra crunch, broil the finished chicken for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about how a handful of kitchen staples comes together in Parmesan Chicken. It’s easy, irresistible, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you just might find it on repeat in your dinner rotation!