I love a recipe that is quick, tasty, and packs a bit of fun into dinner. Parmesan Chicken is one of those dishes I turn to when I want a crisp, cheesy main with very little fuss. I share a twist on the crust and a simple cook method that works in an air fryer or an oven, and it makes weeknights feel special.
Dad James taught me to press the crumbs on with care so the crust holds. He always said, “Make it stick, Sarah.”
Your Ingredients List
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup dill pickle ranch dressing
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
My Go-To Equipment
I use a sharp knife, a shallow bowl for the dressing, a plate for the crumb mix, and either an air fryer or a baking sheet. I also keep a meat thermometer handy to check doneness.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast in the dill pickle ranch dressing.
- Mix the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto each side of the chicken until coated.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken in the basket and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Check the chicken is golden and reaches 165°F, then remove.
- For the oven, place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes until cooked and crispy.
- Serve the Parmesan Chicken hot and enjoy.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
Swap half the breadcrumbs for finely chopped nuts or panko for a lighter crisp. You can also use low-fat Parmesan and whole wheat crumbs. For a milder tang, try plain Greek yogurt mixed with herbs instead of the ranch. For another fun chicken idea, I sometimes compare this to my cottage cheese chicken Parmesan bowl for a lower-carb night.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I like to serve this Parmesan Chicken with a crisp salad or steamed green beans and lemon. Make garlic mashed potatoes or simple pasta for a heartier meal. For a comfort combo, spoon a little marinara over the top and pair it with my favorite creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta on the side.
Getting It Just Right
Use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F for safe, juicy chicken. Press the crumbs well so they stay put while cooking. If the crust browns too fast in the oven, tent with foil for the last few minutes and finish uncovered.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool the chicken to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm to keep the crust crisp, or use the air fryer for a few minutes.
Enjoy Every Moment
I keep this simple and make it often. It feeds a crowd or two hungry people and gives me time to relax at the table. If you want a playful Parmesan twist, see my take on chicken pillows with creamy Parmesan sauce for another easy weeknight move.
A Few Common Questions
How long does Parmesan Chicken take to cook?
In the air fryer it cooks in 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping once. In the oven it takes 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F. Always check it reaches 165°F.
Can I make Parmesan Chicken ahead for a party?
Yes. Cook the chicken, cool it, and keep it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp. You can also prep the crumb coating and chicken the day before.
Is Parmesan Chicken good for meal prep?
Yes. It stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge and reheats nicely. Pack with a salad or roasted veggies for easy lunches.
Print
Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and tasty Parmesan Chicken recipe that can be made in an air fryer or oven, featuring a delightful crunchy crust.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup dill pickle ranch dressing
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast in the dill pickle ranch dressing.
- Mix the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto each side of the chicken until coated.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken in the basket and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Check that the chicken is golden and reaches 165°F, then remove.
- For the oven, place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked and crispy.
- Serve the Parmesan Chicken hot and enjoy.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe cooking. You can swap half the breadcrumbs for chopped nuts or use low-fat Parmesan for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Parmesan Chicken, Easy Dinner, Air Fryer Recipes, Oven-Baked Chicken