There are few things more satisfying than a piece of golden-brown, crispy chicken that crunches when you bite into it, only to reveal juicy tenderness beneath. This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe brings all of that to the table with bold, savory flavor in every bite. It’s a go-to dinner when you want to feel fancy without putting in fancy effort.

The real magic here is in the crust. A blend of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs turns a simple chicken breast into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that doesn’t even need a sauce to shine. It’s pan-fried to perfection for a weeknight dinner or a guest-worthy main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, and feeds the whole family. The crust locks in moisture so the chicken stays juicy, while the cheese and garlic give it a rich umami flavor that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. Even better, it cooks in under 30 minutes and only uses pantry staples.

Whether you serve it over pasta, with a crisp salad, or alongside roasted vegetables, this chicken adapts to any mood or mealtime.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most popular choice because they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re working with thick chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to make cutlets—this not only speeds up the cooking time but also ensures each bite gets the perfect crust-to-chicken ratio. Chicken thighs can also work if you prefer a juicier, richer cut. Just be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This crusted chicken starts with simple ingredients that work together to create bold, crispy, and juicy results. Each one plays a role in delivering that perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and tenderness.

Chicken breasts
Grated Parmesan cheese
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Olive oil

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 2

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels. If using large breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

Grab three shallow dishes. In the first, add the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Coat each piece of chicken in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally press it into the Parmesan mixture until fully coated. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes. This helps retain its crispiness while cooling just enough to serve.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This dish is best served hot and crispy right after it’s cooked, but it still shines as leftovers the next day. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken feeds about 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, use a toaster oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and buttery potatoes pair beautifully with the crunchy crust of the chicken.

Lemon Butter Pasta

Simple, zesty, and light—a nice contrast to the rich Parmesan flavor.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds a refreshing element to your plate.

Grilled Asparagus

The slight char on grilled asparagus brings out a smoky bite that complements the garlic.

Garlic Bread

Go all in with garlic—because there’s no such thing as too much.

Steamed Green Beans

Keep it classic with a crisp vegetable side that’s easy and fast.

Creamy Polenta

Smooth and rich polenta balances out the crispiness of the chicken cutlets.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brighten up the whole meal.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe got your mouth watering, you might enjoy these other flavorful creations from the site:

• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli when you want something comforting and hearty.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
• Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese if you’re craving something extra cheesy.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce for double the Parmesan goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go full Parmesan or add a little twist? Maybe you used fresh garlic instead of powder?

I love seeing how everyone makes these recipes their own. Your questions and suggestions help us all cook better—so don’t be shy!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and dinner ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover what to make next: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those recipes that takes everyday ingredients and turns them into something that feels special. It’s crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this chicken will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.