I know we all love crispy chicken, especially when it’s coated in delicious Parmesan cheese! Today, I’m sharing some fantastic ways to make crispy Parmesan chicken that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you prefer the air fryer, a creamy sauce, or a classic oven bake, I have a recipe here for you.
These crispy chicken recipes are simple to follow and perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. Get ready to cook up some truly wonderful, cheesy chicken!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
- 2. Crispy Parmesan Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3. Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
This air fryer chicken recipe uses a secret ingredient—mayonnaise—to help achieve an incredibly crispy and moist Parmesan coating. It’s so simple, quick, and always a hit at my table.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Air Frying
- The Mayo Trick: Mayonnaise helps the Parmesan stick well and keeps the chicken very juicy while air frying. Don’t skip it!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and a super crispy finish.
What You Need for Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crisp)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry. You can pound them to an even thickness if they are very thick, about 1-inch thick is great. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix mayonnaise with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs (if using). Dip each chicken breast into the mayo mix, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press it firmly into the Parmesan mixture.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
📝 Final Note
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it extra juicy. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
This recipe brings together crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Creamy Chicken
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor in your sauce. It makes a big difference compared to garlic powder here.
- Deglazing the Pan: After cooking the chicken, use the pan drippings to start your sauce. This adds extra flavor and makes the sauce taste amazing.
What You Need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Coat and Sear the Chicken
Combine Parmesan and breadcrumbs on a plate. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then press firmly into the Parmesan mixture to coat both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
📝 Final Note
This dish is wonderful served with pasta, rice, or steamed green beans to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This classic crispy Parmesan crusted chicken recipe is baked in the oven for easy clean-up and a golden-brown coating. It’s a family favorite that you can pair with almost any side dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Baked Chicken
- Three-Part Dredging: Use flour, egg, then the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix for the best and most even crust. This makes sure everything sticks well.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They are lighter and crunchier.
What You Need for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Coating Stations
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with the beaten egg, and one with Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper mixed together.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry. Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the beaten egg, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix, ensuring a full and even coating.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil for an even crispier crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is beautifully golden brown.
📝 Final Note
For the best texture, serve this crispy chicken immediately. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.


