A Homemade Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast & 5 Best Variations

Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast is a tasty dish made by coating boneless chicken breasts with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese and then frying them until golden brown and crispy.

This dish is often served as a main course and is loved for its combination of tender chicken and crispy coating, making it a favorite comfort food for many.

What Is The Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast?

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy recipe for your chicken dinner repertoire!

Chicken cutlets are breaded in parmesan cheese and bread crumbs and pan-fried until crispy. This tasty chicken is the perfect easy dinner to serve on busy weeknights.

How Long Will It Take To Prepare?

• Marinate Time: Typically, marinating chicken is optional for this dish, but if you choose to marinate, you might do so for 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, many recipes skip marination, so this step can be omitted to save time.
• Preparation Time: Preparing the chicken breasts, mixing the breading, and setting up your workspace usually takes 15-20 minutes.
• Breading Time: Coating the chicken with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture typically takes 5-10 minutes.
• Frying Time: Frying time can vary based on the chicken breasts’ thickness and the oil’s temperature. On average, frying a chicken breast takes about 10-15 minutes until it’s cooked through and golden brown.
• Total Time: You can expect to spend approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether you marinate the chicken and your cooking speed.
• Serving: This recipe usually serves 2 to 4 people, depending on the number of chicken breasts prepared and portion sizes.

How Do You Make Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast?

Essential Ingredients For Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast:

For the chicken breasts

• Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• Two large eggs
• Two tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• One teaspoon of dried oregano (optional)
• One teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
• Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil) for frying

For serving

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Essential Instructions For The Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast:

Step 1

Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.

Step 2

This ensures even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station:

Dish 1: Place the flour.

Dish 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.

Dish 3: Combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder (if using).

Step 4

Bread the Chicken Breasts

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Step 5

Press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.

Step 6

Fry the Chicken Breasts

Add enough cooking oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch in a large skillet or frying pan.

Step 7

Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (180-190°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a tiny breadcrumb into it; it should sizzle and bubble immediately.

Step 8

Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry them in batches.

Step 9

Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

A slotted spatula transfers the fried chicken breasts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 11

Serve

Serve the Parmesan-crusted fried chicken breasts hot, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Additional Tips For Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, including freshly grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Fresh ingredients often result in better flavor and texture.
2. Seasoning: Feel free to add additional seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, such as dried herbs (thyme, basil, or rosemary) or spices (paprika, cayenne pepper) to customize the flavor to your liking.
3. Let Excess Drip Off: When dipping the chicken from the egg mixture into the breadcrumb mixture, allow any excess egg to drip off before coating it with breadcrumbs. This helps prevent an overly thick coating.
4. Press the Coating: After breading the chicken, gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. This helps create a crispier crust.
5. Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature during frying. A thermometer monitors the oil and adjusts the heat to keep it in the 350-375°F (180-190°C).
6. Drain on a Rack: If you have a cooling rack, place the fried chicken on it after removing it from the oil. This allows any excess fat to drip away, keeping the chicken crispy.

Precautions For Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast:

1. Hot Oil: Be cautious when working with hot oil. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid overheating, which can lead to oil splattering. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby when deep-frying.
2. Overcrowding the Pan: Do not overcrowd the frying pan. Fry the chicken breasts in batches to ensure enough space to cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.
3. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe.
4. Drain Excess Oil: Place the chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying. This not only improves the texture but also reduces the calorie content of the dish.

Nutrition Facts Of Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast

Please note that these values are estimates and can change based on factors such as the size of the chicken breast, the amount of breading and Parmesan used, the type of oil for frying, and any additional seasonings or ingredients.

If you want a more precise nutritional breakdown, it’s best to use a recipe calculator or check the nutrition label on the specific elements you use.

5 Best Variations Of Parmesan Crusted Fry Chicken Breast

1. Herb-crusted Parmesan Chicken

Mix finely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley) with the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs to create a flavorful herb crust for the chicken. The herbs will add a fresh and aromatic dimension to the dish.

2. Panko-Crusted Parmesan Chicken

Instead of regular breadcrumbs, use Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs to create a lighter and crispier crust. The panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a delicate and airy texture.

3. Spicy Parmesan Chicken

Add a kick of heat by incorporating some cayenne pepper, paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes into the breading mixture. This will give your Parmesan-crusted chicken a spicy and flavorful twist.

4. Lemon-Parmesan Chicken

Grate some lemon zest into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture to infuse the dish with a bright and zesty flavor. After frying, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a tangy finish.

5. Garlic-Parmesan Chicken

Incorporate minced garlic or garlic powder into the breading mixture to give your chicken a rich garlic flavor. You can also make a garlic butter sauce to drizzle over the chicken after frying for an extra burst of garlic goodness.

Conclusion

Parmesan-crusted fried chicken breast is a versatile and flavorful dish with numerous variations to suit your taste preferences.

You can elevate this classic recipe with your twist, whether for herb-infused, spicy, lemony, garlicky, or panko-crusted variations. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the delicious results!

People Frequently Ask Questions

How do I make Parmesan-crusted fried chicken breast?

The basic process involves coating chicken breasts in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and then frying them until golden brown. The exact recipe may vary, but this is the general method.

Can I bake Parmesan-crusted chicken instead of frying it?

You can bake Parmesan-crusted chicken in the oven for a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake until the chicken is cooked and the crust is crispy.

What type of cheese is best for Parmesan-crusted chicken?

Parmesan cheese is the most common choice, but you can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for variations in flavor.

Is there a gluten-free version of Parmesan-crusted chicken?

You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternatives like crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crackers to make a gluten-free version of Parmesan-crusted chicken.

What can I serve with Parmesan-crusted chicken breast?

Typical side dishes include mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. It pairs well with a variety of sides.

What oil should I use for frying Parmesan-crusted chicken?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices for frying. Use an oil with a high smoke point.