Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
The secret is all in the breading! Crunchy grissini breadcrumbs bring classic chicken parmesan up to restaurant quality in this easy to prepare, homemade version.
How to Make the Best Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan doesn’t need to be complicated or require a trip to a fancy restaurant to taste amazing. This crispy chicken parmesan recipe proves that with a few quality ingredients and a solid technique, you can create restaurant-quality results right at home. The star of this dish is the crunchy grissini breadcrumb coating—these Italian breadsticks create a delicate, golden crust that’s far superior to traditional panko.
The key to success is taking time with each step. Properly pounding the chicken ensures even cooking, and setting up your breading station ahead of time keeps the process smooth and organized. The combination of fresh parmesan in the breading mixture and melted fresh mozzarella on top creates layers of cheesy, savory flavor that you simply can’t get from pre-shredded cheese.
With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta with extra marinara sauce, or pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan
The secret is all in the breading! Crunchy grissini breadcrumbs bring classic chicken parmesan up to restaurant quality in this easy to prepare, homemade version.
Ingredients
Chicken & Breading
Topping
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken until about 1/2 inch thick all over.
- Optional tip: Place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap to pound the meat more easily.
Make the Breadcrumbs
- Working in batches, grind the grissini breadsticks in a food processor into small pieces (think smaller than a pea but not fine dust).
- In a large bowl or shallow platter, combine the grissini crumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper.
Bread the Chicken
- On a large dinner plate, spread out the flour. In a shallow dish, add the well beaten eggs.
- Set up your 'breading station' with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
- Working one at a time, dredge each side of the chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Place each side of the chicken breast in the egg mixture, letting the excess drain off before placing in the breadcrumbs.
- Press the flour/egg dredged chicken breast into the breadcrumbs on each side, making sure all parts of the chicken breast are well coated.
- Repeat with every chicken breast.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the oil until shimmering over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breast 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For even golden brown coloring, don't overcrowd the pan and work in batches.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a sheet pan.
Broil the Cheese
- Preheat the oven to broil on high.
- Top each piece of crispy chicken with a layer of tomato sauce and top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Broil on high for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and serve.
Notes
- The secret to restaurant-quality chicken parmesan is the grissini breadsticks—they create an incredibly crispy, delicate crust.
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly throughout.
- Don't skip the fresh mozzarella at the end; it makes a significant difference compared to pre-shredded cheese.