Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total); 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (from a block); 1/2 cup superfine almond flour; 2 large eggs; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 18, 2026

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PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers exactly what the name promises: a tender, juicy interior wrapped in an ultra crispy, golden Parmesan coating. With only 1 gram of carbs per serving, this dish is naturally low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free when made with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. The best part? The active cook time is under 10 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Each bite comes with a satisfying crunch and a rich, savory Parmesan flavor that pairs beautifully with almost any side.

Whether you follow a low carb lifestyle or simply want a quick, crowd pleasing chicken dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant quality results with minimal effort. Serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite pasta for a meal that comes together in a flash.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre shredded Parmesan contains anti caking agents that prevent proper melting and crispiness. The second essential ingredient is superfine almond flour (not almond meal) to keep the coating low carb and gluten free. If you have a nut allergy, substitute the almond flour with crushed pork rinds or an equal amount of extra grated Parmesan. Both options maintain a crunchy crust.

For the protein, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. If using thighs, pound them to ½ inch thickness and adjust the cook time to 7, 8 minutes per side. You will also need eggs for the wash, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and butter for frying.

Ingredient	Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan	Not pre shredded or tinned
Superfine almond flour	Not almond meal
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs	Pound to even thickness
Eggs	For the wash
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper	Season both chicken and coating
Olive oil and butter	For pan frying

HOW TO MAKE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because moisture prevents the coating from sticking. Slice each breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, then season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with a minced garlic clove to make a garlicky egg wash. In a separate dish, combine the freshly grated Parmesan and almond flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then press firmly into the Parmesan almond mixture. Make sure the coating adheres evenly by pressing down with your fingertips. A common mistake is pressing too lightly; a firm press ensures even coverage and a crispier crust.

Heat a non stick skillet over medium high heat with a drizzle of olive oil and a pat of butter. Once the oil shimmers, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4 minutes on the first side without moving them. To check doneness, gently lift a corner with a spatula; if golden brown, flip and cook for another 4 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

AIR FRYER METHOD

The air fryer delivers an equally crispy result with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the uncooked, coated chicken pieces with olive oil on both sides. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Cook for 7 minutes, then flip each piece and continue cooking for another 3, 4 minutes. The cooking time is slightly shorter than pan frying, so check the internal temperature after flipping. Once the chicken reaches 165°F and the coating is deep golden brown, it is ready. Let it rest for 2, 3 minutes before serving to keep the crust crisp.

TIPS

Use a non stick pan: The Parmesan coating can stick to regular pans. A non stick skillet makes flipping easy and keeps the crust intact.
Check doneness without disturbing: After 3 minutes of cooking, gently push the chicken with a spatula. If it slides easily, lift the edge to check for a golden crust before flipping.
Press the coating firmly: Lightly pressing the Parmesan almond mixture onto the chicken ensures it adheres and forms an even crust. This prevents patchy coverage.
Avoid pre shredded cheese: As noted, pre shredded Parmesan contains anti caking agents that melt poorly and reduce crispiness. Always grate your own.
Pat chicken dry: This simple step helps the egg wash and coating stick better, resulting in a crispier crust.

TO MAKE AHEAD

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the egg wash overnight. Place the seasoned chicken cutlets in the egg wash, cover the bowl tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so it cooks evenly. Then proceed with the coating and cooking as directed.

Cooked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat without losing crispiness, use the oven at 350°F for 5, 7 minutes or the air fryer at 375°F for 3, 4 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which will make the coating soggy.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

This versatile chicken pairs well with a wide range of sides. For a low carb meal, choose options that keep the carb count minimal:

Cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice
Zucchini noodles (zoodles) with garlic butter
Steamed broccoli or roasted broccoli
Sautéed garlic mushrooms
Green beans with lemon

If you are not restricting carbs, the chicken also works beautifully with classic comfort food sides:

WHAT TO SERVE WITH PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
Pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce
White or brown rice
Garlic bread

A simple side of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, crispy chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make parmesan crusted chicken?

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, then coat in a mixture of grated Parmesan, almond flour (or breadcrumbs for non low carb), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dip in beaten egg, then press into the Parmesan mixture. Bake at 400°F for 20 25 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 10 12 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can you freeze parmesan crusted chicken?

Yes, freeze either before or after cooking. To freeze unbreaded, layer coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. To freeze cooked chicken, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

What is the best cheese for parmesan crusted chicken?

Freshly grated Parmesan from a block is best for flavor and texture. Pre shredded Parmesan often contains anti caking agents that reduce melt and crispiness. For a milder taste, you can mix in a little Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

How long to cook parmesan crusted chicken in air fryer?

Air fry parmesan crusted chicken at 375°F for 10 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust time based on thickness of the chicken.

Is parmesan crusted chicken keto friendly?

Yes, if you replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds and use only Parmesan and egg. The chicken itself is low carb, and Parmesan adds minimal carbs. This makes it a great keto friendly dinner option.

What to serve with parmesan crusted chicken?

Pair with simple sides like a garden salad, roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini), cauliflower rice, or steamed green beans. For a low carb meal, avoid starchy sides like potatoes or pasta. A lemon butter sauce or marinara can complement the flavors.