Post includes Weight Watchers points. What’s especially great about this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is that it only requires a handful of high-quality, yet affordable ingredients. In fact, I’m betting you already have almost everything you need to whip us this delectable dish in your pantry and fridge. And if you don’t, after you taste how amazing this is, you’ll be sure to keep them on hand so you can make this meal whenever the mood strikes. I for one always make sure to have Parmigiano Reggiano cheese stocked in my fridge, as it really is what makes this recipe so delectable. The unique flavour and texture of Parmigiano Reggiano adds tons of flavour and helps to create the delightfully crispy crust that’ll keep you coming back for more.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese that is produced in a specific region in Northern Italy. Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages when monks worked to produce a cheese to last a long time and travel well. This artisanal cheese boasts a unique colour, a deliciously complex flavour profile, and a slightly gritty texture that is a result of the lengthy aging process of at least 12 months. While there is no maximum maturation period, Parmigiano Reggiano is most commonly sold between the ages of 12-40 months. Parmigiano Reggiano perfectly complements a wide range of meats and is an ideal topping for pasta dishes, salads, soups, stews, and roasted veggies.
Why Make This Recipe
Easy to Make – Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.Requires Few Ingredients – A handful of high-quality ingredients makes this a meal that tastes good, and is good for you.Tons of Flavor – the combination of Parmesan and Panko makes this chicken dish next level good.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Breast – use boneless and skinless for best results.Italian Seasoning – look for a high quality blend or make your own with dried basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary.Garlic Powder – for balance and a nice earthly flavour.Eggs – 2 large eggs, but if using smaller eggs you may want to add an extra.Panko Breadcrumbs – panko yields a light and crispy crust, but you can swap for regular breadcrumbs.Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese – this delectable artisian hard cheese is the star of this recipe!Salt – adjust the amount to suit your taste.Oil – olive oil or any light oil will work, but I like to add the Parmesan rind to my oil to get a delicious flavoured oil and make the most of my Parmesan. It imparts such fantastic flavour to this dish, and I highly recommend you try it!
How To Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise (knife parallel to the cutting board) to create fillets.Using a meat mallet, pound until each piece is an even thickness.In a shallow bowl, combine beaten eggs with half of the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, salt and the remaining Italian seasoning.Then, working with one chicken fillet at a time, dredge in the seasoned egg wash, let excess drip off, then coat both sides in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to gently press down so the coating adheres.Heat oil in a skillet and add 2 of the chicken fillets. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is considered done and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 74C / 165F.Transfer to a plate and keep warm while cooking the rest of the chicken.Garnish with fresh parsley, serve and enjoy!
Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise (knife parallel to the cutting board) to create fillets.Using a meat mallet, pound until each piece is an even thickness.In a shallow bowl, combine beaten eggs with half of the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, salt and the remaining Italian seasoning.Then, working with one chicken fillet at a time, dredge in the seasoned egg wash, let excess drip off, then coat both sides in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to gently press down so the coating adheres.Preheat Air Fryer to 380 degrees F.Place them in the air fryer basket. It is important to make sure the chicken breast are not touching.Cook time for the first side will be between 5-6 minutes. Check the meat for doneness, then flip over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
Tips For Success
Make Parmigiano Reggiano-Infused Oil. Get the most from your Parmigiano Reggiano by adding the rind to a jar and covering with olive oil. Allow to steep to get a deliciously flavoured oil that you can use in this recipe and many others.Bring the chicken to room temperature before breading so you end up with nice crisp chicken.Cut chicken breast into thinner fillets by holding them flat with the palm of your hand. Use a sharp knife to then slice the chicken breast horizontally (knife parallel to the cutting board) into two even pieces. Cook time in the air fryer depends on the thickness of the chicken breast, thickers ones will take longer to Air Fry.Always check chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 74C / 165F at the thickest part.If you get too much moisture into your breadcrumb mixture, simply scoop that bit off the plate and re-spread the remaining breadcrumbs.But if the breadcrumb mixture gets too wet, you may want to discard it and start fresh.
Recipe Variations
Swap the meat – use chicken thighs instead of breast, turkey cutlets, or boneless pork chops.Add some heat – for those who like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.Change the seasoning – Swap for Greek seasoning or Mediterranean seasoning blend, or make your own with dried rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano.Make it gluten-free – use gluten free breadcrumbs or swap in almond flour for the Panko.
Prep Ahead and Storage
Prep Ahead – You can cut the chicken fillets, combine the egg mixture, and prepare the breadcrumb coating in advance, then store each in a sealed container inside the fridge until ready to cook.Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days.Freeze – To freeze, wrap the breaded, uncooked Parmesan crusted chicken breast in plastic cling film, store in a zip-top bag and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
A Bit More About Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is the only cheese that can be legally called Parmesan in the UK andthe European Union. It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, with distinctive characteristics and links to its area of origin. Parmigiano Reggiano is known for its strict production process, and the producers have always opposed non-natural practices. This is why to this day, Parmigiano Reggiano is made with no additives or preservatives, and only contains 3 natural ingredients: milk, salt, and rennet. The raw milk used to make Parmigiano Reggiano is characterised by a unique and intense bacterial activity of the local microbial flora. Because it is naturally lactose-free and a source of calcium and phosphorous, it’s well-suited for those looking to make healthy eating choices. And did you know that Parmigiano Reggiano’s distinctive dotted rind is totally edible? Because there is no wax used to cover the cheese – the exterior hardens and develops a rind from a reaction with air – it’s perfectly edible and tasty! See the FAQ section below for some of the great ways you can use your Parmigiano Reggiano rind, and reduce food waste in the process. To learn even more about Parmigiano Reggiano’s rich history and area of origin, visit https://parmigianoreggiano.com.
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
Easy Smothered Potatoes.Green Beans Almondine.The Best Air Fryer French Fries.
More Recipes You May Like
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders.Parmesan Breaded Air Fryer Chicken.Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Potatoes.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this. Thank you for reading my Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
