Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is my go-to recipe when I want something that tastes like it came from a restaurant but takes less than 40 minutes to make. The combination of crispy Panko breadcrumbs and nutty Parmesan creates an irresistible golden crust that locks in all the juices, making every bite incredibly tender and flavorful.

I still remember the first time I made this dish on a busy Tuesday night. I was skeptical that something so simple could turn out so good, but one bite of that crunchy, cheesy crust proved me wrong. Now it’s my family’s most-requested chicken dinner. What makes this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe special is how the mayonnaise creates the perfect base for the coating to stick while keeping the chicken breast moist and juicy. It’s become my secret weapon for easy weeknight meals that feel like a treat.

What You’ll Need to Make This Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Let me walk you through exactly what goes into this crispy, cheesy masterpiece. I always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese because the pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt or stick the same way, and trust me, it makes all the difference in achieving that golden crust.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Pro tip: I prefer using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs because they create a much crispier, lighter texture. If you can only find regular breadcrumbs, they’ll work in a pinch, but the crust won’t be quite as crunchy.

How to Make the Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken

I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking, this makes the whole process much smoother and faster. The key to getting an even golden crust is making sure each chicken breast is the same thickness.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a bit of oil. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, this helps the coating stick better. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet to pound from the center outward until you reach an even 1/2-inch thickness, then season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. The mayo might seem like an unusual choice, but it’s the secret to keeping this Parmesan Crusted Chicken incredibly moist while helping the breadcrumb coating adhere perfectly.

Step 3: Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, making sure to cover the entire surface. Don’t be shy with the mayo layer, it needs to be thick enough to hold all those delicious breadcrumbs.

Step 4: In a shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Mix well so the cheese is evenly distributed. Press the mayonnaise-coated top of each chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, really pushing down so the coating sticks to the mayo-covered surface. I usually press for about 5-10 seconds to make sure nothing falls off during baking.

Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet with the breaded side facing up, making sure they’re not touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate and creates an even crispier crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and feels crispy when gently tapped.

Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to cut right in, but this resting time lets the juices redistribute, keeping your Parmesan Crusted Chicken extra moist and tender.

The Best Sides to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This crispy chicken pairs beautifully with lighter sides that complement the rich, cheesy crust without overwhelming your plate.

Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and olive oil add a healthy, colorful contrast to the golden chicken while their slight char balances the creamy richness.

Simple Green Salad: A fresh mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch that makes this meal feel lighter and more balanced.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing, perfect for soaking up any extra crispy bits and creating a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Pasta with Marinara: Serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken sliced over spaghetti or penne for an Italian-inspired feast that feels special enough for company but easy enough for weeknights.

Mac and Cheese: Kids especially love this combination, and the double cheese factor makes it an indulgent meal that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

More Delicious Chicken Dinners to Try

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs perfectly with other weeknight-friendly chicken recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. For another crispy coating variation, try the Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano Recipe which features a similar breading technique with Italian-inspired flavors, or the Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce for an extra indulgent dinner option.

If you love the cheesy crust on this chicken, the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce offers a fun twist with a pretzel coating, while Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken adds tangy pickle flavor to the classic Parmesan crust. For a creamy pasta pairing, serve this chicken alongside Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta to create a complete Italian-inspired meal.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between each piece to prevent them from sticking together.

When reheating, skip the microwave completely or you’ll end up with a soggy crust. Instead, I recommend placing the chicken on a baking sheet and heating it in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the coating gets crispy again.

Pro tip: If you have an air fryer, it’s perfect for reheating this Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Just pop it in at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes and it’ll taste almost as good as when you first made it. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Questions Answered

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