Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor

Bylina

If you’re on the hunt for a chicken dinner that checks every box—crispy, juicy, full of flavor, and easy to make—look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s a family favorite that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together right in your kitchen with simple pantry ingredients.

This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a golden crust of garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Whether you serve it over pasta, with roasted veggies, or in a sandwich, this chicken dish is a guaranteed hit every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken is a weeknight staple in most households, but it doesn’t have to be boring. The magic in this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in the bold flavors and crispy texture. It’s savory, aromatic, and satisfying—perfect for picky eaters and foodies alike.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Crispy and cheesy crust that stays crunchy
  • Garlic flavor in every bite
  • Quick and easy – ready in under 40 minutes
  • Versatile – great as a main course or sandwich filling
  • Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded evenly)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

For the Parmesan-garlic crust:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of color and flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for extra flavor

Optional for serving:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Marinara or garlic aioli on the side

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe follows a simple breading technique for that extra crispy bite. Let’s walk through the steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness to ensure even cooking. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow bowls:

  1. Flour (for the first coating)
  2. Beaten eggs
  3. A mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the flour, coating it fully. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every inch is covered.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. After cooking, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness.

Serving Ideas

This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can get creative with how you serve it:

🍝 Over Pasta:

Serve atop spaghetti tossed with a light lemon butter sauce or creamy Alfredo.

🥗 In a Salad:

Slice and place over a Caesar or arugula salad for a protein-packed lunch.

🥪 In a Sandwich:

Place on a toasted ciabatta roll with fresh greens and garlic aioli for a gourmet-style chicken sandwich.

🥦 With Roasted Veggies:

Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a medley of seasonal veggies for a healthy dinner.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • Don’t skip the garlic powder AND fresh garlic—they work together to create layers of flavor.
  • Panko breadcrumbs are essential for that crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch but won’t be as crunchy.

Variations and Add-Ons

This recipe is delicious as-is, but here are some fun ways to switch it up:

🔥 Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash for a little kick.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Version

Add shredded mozzarella or provolone to the Parmesan crust for melty goodness.

🧄 Garlic Lover’s Dream

Increase the garlic to 3 or even 4 cloves and add garlic butter on top after cooking.

How to Store and Reheat

🧊 Storing:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

♨️ Reheating:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

❄️ Freezing:

Freeze fully cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake this instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with cooking oil before baking for extra crunch.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well—just adjust the cook time as needed.

Q: What’s the best cheese substitute for Parmesan?
A: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese will also work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is everything you want in a homemade meal—crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe brings bold flavor and satisfying crunch to the table. Make it once, and we promise it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.