Pioneer Woman's Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy & Flavorful Family Favorite

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe takes inspiration from the hearty, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, offering a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Coated in a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs, this chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection. The result? A chicken breast that boasts a wonderfully crispy exterior, while the inside remains juicy and tender. It’s the kind of comforting meal that’s perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Crisp Parmesan Crusted Chicken on a dinner plate with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Bringing Pioneer Woman Style to Your Kitchen: Parmesan Chicken Perfection

Just like Ree Drummond’s (The Pioneer Woman) approachable and delicious recipes, this parmesan-crusted chicken is straightforward and satisfying. It’s all about simple steps leading to big flavors. This recipe is a fantastic option when you need a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. To complete the meal, consider serving it with classic Pioneer Woman-esque side dishes. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or some simply sautéed vegetables like green beans. For a truly comforting side, one-pot parmesan pasta would also be a delightful pairing.

Step-by-Step to Crispy Parmesan Chicken, Pioneer Woman Style

To get started on this Pioneer Woman-inspired dish, you’ll want to set up a breading assembly line. This makes the process smooth and less messy. Prepare three stations: one with all-purpose flour, the next with lightly beaten eggs, and the final one with your flavorful panko-Parmesan mixture. For this mixture, combine panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now, take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour, ensuring it’s lightly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, press both sides of the chicken firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture to create a generous, even coating.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm a bit of vegetable oil and melt a tablespoon of butter – this combination gives both flavor and prevents the butter from burning. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is beautifully golden brown and crispy. To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. After cooking, let the parmesan chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.

Close up of pan fried parmesan chicken breasts with golden brown crust.

Tips for Pioneer Woman-Perfect Parmesan Chicken

Chicken Breast Prep is Key: If you’re using thick chicken breasts, butterfly them by slicing them in half lengthwise, or pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, preventing the coating from burning before the chicken is cooked through – a tip Ree Drummond often emphasizes for quick family meals.
Herb Your Enthusiasm: While Italian seasoning is convenient, don’t hesitate to incorporate fresh herbs, just like the Pioneer Woman loves to use from her garden. Rosemary, thyme, or basil would all add a wonderful fresh dimension to the parmesan crust.
Patience in the Pan: Once the chicken is in the hot skillet, resist the urge to move it around too much. Let it sit and allow the breading to crisp up nicely before you attempt to flip it. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crunchy crust.
Temperature is Your Friend: Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F internally. This eliminates guesswork and ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
Breading Like a Pro: To keep your fingers clean and avoid “breading fingers,” dedicate one hand for the wet ingredients (egg) and the other for the dry ingredients (flour and panko mixture). This simple trick makes the process much cleaner and more efficient.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken: A Healthier, Crispier Option

For a lighter take on this Pioneer Woman-inspired favorite, the air fryer is an excellent alternative. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the chicken for breading as directed in the recipe. Before placing the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket, lightly spray both sides with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Air fry for about 7 minutes, then flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F and beautifully golden brown.

Baking Parmesan Chicken: A Hands-Off Approach

If you prefer oven-baked parmesan chicken, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bread the chicken as instructed. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spray the tops of the chicken with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the parmesan crust is golden and crispy.

Storing and Reheating Your Parmesan Chicken

Leftover parmesan chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best reheating results and to maintain crispiness, allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 30-40 minutes before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, or in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze parmesan chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes, or until heated through.

More Pioneer Woman-Inspired Chicken Recipes to Explore

Parmesan crusted chicken recipe card image.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

This quick and easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, inspired by the flavors of Pioneer Woman cooking, delivers a crispy and flavorful panko Parmesan crust that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Course: Main Meal, Chicken
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 382kcal
Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise or 4 chicken cutlets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Set up three breading stations: Place flour in the first shallow bowl or plate. Place beaten eggs in the second. In the last, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Dredge chicken breasts in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko parmesan mixture on both sides.
Heat vegetable oil and melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Let chicken rest loosely tented for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes

For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are uniformly thin.
Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended for the best flavor.
Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted for panko, though panko provides superior crispiness.
Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme for enhanced flavor.
Allow the breading to set and crisp in the skillet before flipping the chicken.
Use separate hands for wet and dry breading to avoid sticky fingers.
Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage, up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Did You Make This Recipe? Share your creations by mentioning @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tagging #smalltownwomanfoodnut on Instagram!

For more delicious and family-friendly recipes, follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Beth Pierce’s Bio

Pioneer Woman’s Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy & Flavorful Family Favorite