If you are craving a dish that delivers that perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors, look no further than this Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s a wonderful take on classic comfort food with a touch of elegance, boasting a golden Parmesan and breadcrumb crust that wraps tender, juicy chicken breasts. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is simple enough to whip up anytime but impressive enough to earn rave reviews. Let’s dive into the delicious world of crispy chicken perfection with my favorite Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role— from the flavorful spices in the flour to the crispy, golden breadcrumb coating and the gooey melted mozzarella on top.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat perfect for breading.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the initial coating to help the egg and breadcrumbs stick properly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural chicken flavor and seasons the flour mixture.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings in a lovely aromatic essence that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the crust.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the flour-coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture for that crispy crust.
- 2 tablespoons water: Lightens the egg wash, making it easier to coat evenly.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor that crisps to golden perfection.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Provides herby, flavorful crunch in the coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds extra crispy texture that’s light and airy.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Used for pan-frying to get that irresistible golden crust.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and a glossy finish when drizzled on top.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on the chicken, giving it a luscious, gooey topping.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, vibrant color and herbaceous note as garnish.
How to Make Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready once the chicken is breaded and skillet-seared. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and gently pound them to an even thickness of about half an inch. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving the perfect juicy texture inside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoned flour base forms the first layer of flavor and allows the next coatings to adhere well.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk the eggs together with water in another shallow bowl until smooth. The egg wash will serve as the glue between the flour and breadcrumb mixtures, ensuring your chicken gets that irresistible crust.
Step 4: Combine the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a third bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese together with Italian-style breadcrumbs and panko. This trifecta of ingredients delivers both flavor and texture, making the crust the star of this Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken
First, coat each chicken breast evenly with the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the egg wash, fully coating the surface. Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every inch is covered to build that crispy, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, allowing the crust to turn beautifully golden brown and crisp while sealing in the juicy goodness.
Step 7: Bake with Mozzarella
Transfer the browned chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each breast generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts to a bubbly, irresistible finish and the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Finish and Garnish
Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the melted butter over each chicken breast. This adds luxurious richness and a mouthwatering sheen. Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a hint of freshness and beautiful color contrast.
How to Serve Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish to the next level. The bright, chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh herbal pop and lively green color. For extra flair, you might also add a wedge of lemon for a subtle citrus zing that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices like garlic mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or buttered green beans complement the flavors without overpowering. For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken sliced on a platter with fresh arugula and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze. Another idea is to plate it alongside roasted vegetables arranged artfully, adding a rustic yet elegant touch to your meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a tasty meal later without extra prep.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe on hand for longer, you can freeze cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Separate portions make it easier to thaw only what you need.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, the best way is to place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the crust regain its crispiness while warming the inside thoroughly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used if you prefer a juicier and slightly fattier cut. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs can take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work. However, panko gives that extra crunch and lighter texture that makes this Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe truly special.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a safe and delicious version.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can omit the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan or substitute with dairy-free cheese options. Just keep in mind that Parmesan adds a distinct flavor, so the dish will taste slightly different without it.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees your chicken is juicy and perfectly cooked, avoiding any dryness or undercooked spots.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe inspires you to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your home kitchen with ease. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together simply, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a well-deserved treat. Give it a try and watch how the crispy, cheesy crust and tender chicken win over your family and friends every time!
Print
Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a deliciously crispy and cheesy breaded chicken dish made by coating chicken breasts in a seasoned flour mixture, dipping them in eggs, and then breading with a Parmesan and breadcrumb blend. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection and finished in the oven with melted mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of butter, garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe combines the flavors and textures of a classic steakhouse favorite in a simple, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking and Topping
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken with melted cheese.
- Pound Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for even cooking.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating the seasoned flour base for dredging.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the two eggs and two tablespoons of water until well combined to help the breading stick.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: Mix the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, and panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl to form a flavorful, crispy coating.
- Coat Chicken in Flour: Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even coverage, then shake off any excess to prevent clumps.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Fully coat the floured chicken breasts in the egg wash, helping the breadcrumb mixture to adhere properly.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Press the chicken breasts into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, thick crust for maximum crunch.
- Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking to prepare for frying.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the chicken is cooked through on the stovetop.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the browned chicken breasts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prepare for oven finishing.
- Add Cheese: Generously top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly and the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Drizzle Butter: Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top to enhance flavor and richness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken immediately with your favorite sides for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For even cooking, make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs add extra herbs and flavor; if unavailable, substitute with plain breadcrumbs and add dried Italian herbs.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or light olive oil for frying.
- For a lower-fat version, bake the coated chicken breasts entirely without frying, though the texture will differ.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and fresh taste.
