The Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken of My Dreams (No Frying Needed!)

Occasionally, we go to the most popular Italian restaurant in town. It’s always fun, but sometimes it’s crowded, and by the time we’re seated I’m starving and I realize I could have made dinner faster at home.

Next time I crave parmesan chicken, I’m making these crispy chicken cutlets. They feel restaurant-special, but with this ingenious recipe, you can bang them out on a weeknight—all without frying. That’s right, you’re using your oven, so as the chicken bakes, you can throw together the other elements of your meal and get dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.

The Secret Ingredient for Easy Breaded Chicken

Many breaded chicken recipes call for beaten eggs as the “glue” to make the breadcrumbs stick, but here we’re using mayonnaise, which is more flavorful and convenient. The high fat content of the mayonnaise adds just the right touch of oil that you’d get from pan-frying the cutlets—without all the mess!

Baking also keeps the chicken from being too heavy, allowing the savory parmesan flavor to really come through. Using mayonnaise to bind the breading to the chicken locks in the moisture, resulting in a juicier bite. 

Tips for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

• Toasting the breadcrumbs is an extra step, but without it, the breadcrumbs never really brown in the oven. The cutlets will taste and look much more appealing with toasted breadcrumbs. 
• Don’t overdo it with the mayonnaise. Apply a thin layer to the chicken before breading. If the mayonnaise coating is too thick, the breasts can get soggy. 
• Flipping the cutlets halfway through baking creates a crispy exterior and ensures that both sides get golden brown. 
• For the best crust, gently press the breading onto the chicken and flip the chicken as needed to make sure all exposed areas are coated with the breadcrumb mixture. 
• Placing the chicken on a wire rack allows for more air to circulate, crisping up the coating better.

Switch It Up

To make this chicken extra savory, add a big shake of Italian seasoning to the breading mix.

For a different flavor, make cacio e pepe chicken by subbing grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the parmesan and adding more black pepper to the breading mix. 

Meal Ideas for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

Crunchy chicken cutlets upgrade meh meals into craveable ones. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• For a killer chicken parmesan, top with a little marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese and slide under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly.
• Do the same as above, but serve on hoagie rolls as a chicken pam sandwich.
• Cut into strips and top your favorite pasta or hearty green salad.