Why You’ll Love this Crispy Chicken Parmesan
When you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t compromise on texture, this Crispy Chicken Parmesan is about to become your new weeknight hero.
I love how the coating stays wonderfully crunchy, thanks to that clever double-dipping technique with the egg mixture and Italian Shake-n-Bake.
No soggy breading here, folks. Just perfectly crisp chicken that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and sauce.
The prep takes minutes, and while it bakes, you can whip up some spaghetti and set the table.
Can dinner get any easier? Perfect for those nights when you want something a bit special without the fuss.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Chicken Parmesan?
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a handful of items transforms plain chicken into a crispy, Italian-inspired meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
And the secret weapon? Store-bought Italian-flavored Shake-n-Bake that eliminates the need to measure out multiple herbs and spices.
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or tenders)
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Italian-flavored Shake-n-Bake coating mix
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pan
- Spaghetti and sauce (for serving)
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters for the chicken—look for pieces that are roughly the same thickness to guarantee even cooking. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you might want to butterfly them or pound them slightly for more even cooking.
And while the recipe doesn’t specifically call for cheese (despite being called “Chicken Parmesan”), you could certainly add some shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan during the last few minutes of baking if you’re craving that classic cheesy finish.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.
How to Make this Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan couldn’t be simpler, and that’s exactly what makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss.
Start by defrosting 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders completely—working with partially frozen chicken will prevent that perfect crispy coating we’re after. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 1/4 cup milk until well combined. This egg mixture is what helps the coating stick to our chicken, creating that wonderfully crispy exterior we crave.
Next, pour your Italian-flavored Shake-n-Bake into another shallow bowl—this genius shortcut eliminates measuring out individual herbs and spices.
Now for the fun part: dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then thoroughly coat it in the Shake-n-Bake mixture. For an extra-crispy result, you might want to do this coating process twice (first egg, then coating, then egg again, then coating).
Before baking, remember to prepare your pan by giving it a light spray with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. For the best results, consider using large cast iron cookware which provides excellent heat distribution and retention. The chicken should be baked according to the package directions on the Shake-n-Bake box, which typically runs about 20-25 minutes at 400°F—just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
While your chicken bakes to golden perfection, you can prepare some spaghetti according to package directions. For the ultimate pasta experience, consider using a KitchenAid mixer with pasta attachment to create fresh homemade noodles.
When everything’s ready, place your crispy chicken atop a bed of spaghetti, spoon your favorite sauce over the ensemble, and dinner is served. The contrast between the crispy, seasoned coating and tender chicken creates a textural masterpiece that’s hard to resist.
Want to make it more authentic as a true “parmesan” dish? Consider adding some shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking—though honestly, this simplified version stands deliciously on its own.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Substitutions and Variations
The simple beauty of this Chicken Parmesan recipe lies in its adaptability—you can easily switch things up based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs.
Don’t have Shake-n-Bake? No problem. Italian breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work beautifully. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour mixed with Italian seasonings.
You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat, or even use thin-sliced eggplant for a vegetarian version.
Remember, the egg mixture can be adjusted too—a bit of grated parmesan in there adds extra flavor.
Want it spicier? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes in your coating mix.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Every great Crispy Chicken Parmesan deserves equally wonderful side dishes to complete your meal.
I always recommend serving it with a twirl of al dente spaghetti, topped with extra marinara sauce to tie everything together.
A simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette offers the perfect contrast to the rich, crispy chicken.
Want something more substantial? Garlic bread is your answer – what’s better than sopping up extra sauce with buttery, herb-laden bread?
Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli add color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
After mastering this Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered it at restaurants.
It’s ridiculously simple, especially when using Shake-n-Bake for that perfect crunch without the mess of traditional breading.
I love how versatile this dish is—dress it up for date night or keep it casual for a weeknight dinner.
The double coating trick really locks in moisture while creating that restaurant-quality exterior.
For a complete meal with minimal effort, consider pairing it with easy homemade waffles for a delicious chicken and waffles variation.
Serve it with spaghetti and sauce for an authentic Italian-American comfort food experience the whole family will enjoy.
