This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken boasts a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to tender, juicy chicken beneath. The rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella create a comforting and indulgent topping, while the fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Its combination of textures and flavors is sure to please everyone at the table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup marinara sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
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In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
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Place flour in a third shallow dish.
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Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
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Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
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Drizzle melted butter over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Kcal: 600 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is a beloved classic, offering a delightful combination of crispy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. Inspired by LongHorn Steakhouse’s popular entrée, this dish features juicy chicken breasts that are lightly breaded, pan-seared until golden, and baked under a layer of savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s not only comforting and indulgent, but also surprisingly easy to make at home, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The popularity of this dish stems from its balanced flavors. The crust, made with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, delivers a satisfying crunch, while the tender chicken inside remains moist and flavorful. The addition of marinara and melted cheese transforms the dish into something reminiscent of chicken parmesan but with its own unique twist. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant experience at home or simply looking for a reliable and hearty meal, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken does not disappoint.
What Makes This Dish Stand Out
What truly sets this dish apart from other chicken recipes is the texture and flavor layering. The use of panko breadcrumbs provides a light, crispy coating that doesn’t become soggy even after baking. Parmesan cheese enhances both the flavor and the crispness of the crust. The Italian seasoning blend gives it a warm, aromatic foundation, making the dish deeply satisfying with every bite.
Additionally, the inclusion of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese adds a melty, tangy richness that complements the crisp chicken. It’s a beautiful contrast of textures—crispy, tender, and gooey all in one bite. This versatility is part of why it appeals to so many different palates and ages.
A Versatile Main Course
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is incredibly adaptable to a variety of side dishes and cuisines. It pairs well with classic Italian sides such as spaghetti, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh Caesar salad. It can be served over pasta, on a sandwich roll, or even sliced over a hearty salad for a lighter option.
If you’re looking to make it part of a low-carb meal, simply skip the pasta and pair it with sautéed spinach or cauliflower mash. For an even more indulgent twist, add crispy prosciutto or a splash of cream to the marinara for a richer sauce. The options are endless.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving it as a casual dinner for the family or presenting it to guests at a dinner party, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is an all-occasion star. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. The recipe can be doubled or tripled for a crowd and holds up well for leftovers, making it great for meal prepping too.
It also reheats beautifully—just a few minutes in the oven or air fryer can bring the crispiness back to life. This makes it a great choice for next-day lunches or dinner leftovers, as the flavors tend to deepen and meld over time.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
One of the reasons this dish is so loved in households is that it’s extremely kid-friendly. Children often gravitate toward crispy textures and cheesy toppings, and this meal delivers both. You can easily adjust the seasoning if your kids prefer milder flavors. For picky eaters, you can omit the marinara sauce and just top the chicken with cheese, or serve it with ketchup or a favorite dipping sauce.
This is also a wonderful way to sneak in a little extra protein for growing kids without much fuss. Many families find that Parmesan-Crusted Chicken becomes a weekly staple once they try it.
Tips for Perfect Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
The key to achieving the perfect crust lies in the preparation. Here are a few expert tips to help ensure your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken turns out just right:
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Dry the chicken thoroughly before dredging it in flour. Moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly and may cause it to steam instead of crisp.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of the shelf-stable powdered kind. Fresh cheese melts better and provides superior flavor and texture.
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Don’t skip the pan-searing step. Browning the chicken before baking gives it that signature golden crust and locks in the juices.
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Let it rest. After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
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Use an oven-safe meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Health and Nutrition Aspects
Although this dish is indulgent in flavor, it can also be modified to suit various dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cheese, bake instead of pan-fry, and choose whole-wheat panko. The dish is naturally high in protein, making it a satisfying main course that keeps you full longer.
To reduce sodium, consider making your own marinara sauce so you can control the salt content. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be used for those with dietary restrictions. These simple tweaks ensure that even health-conscious eaters can enjoy a version of this dish guilt-free.
Cultural and Culinary Influence
This dish borrows elements from classic Italian-American cuisine—particularly chicken parmesan—but simplifies and modernizes them for home cooks. The use of marinara and mozzarella is a direct nod to that culinary heritage, while the crispy Parmesan coating reflects American comfort food sensibilities. It’s this fusion of traditions that makes it feel both familiar and fresh.
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken also fits well into the current trend of restaurant-style meals made at home. With the rising interest in at-home gourmet cooking, recipes like this one strike the perfect balance between approachable ingredients and impressive results.
Conclusion
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is more than just another chicken dinner—it’s a culinary experience that brings together crunch, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Its wide appeal, versatility, and ability to be dressed up or down make it a staple recipe that belongs in every home cook’s rotation.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your dinner repertoire or a seasoned chef craving a no-fail crowd-pleaser, this dish offers something special. It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for weekends, and delicious enough for any day in between. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it remains a favorite across kitchens everywhere.