Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a flavorful and quick dinner solution that delivers crispy, golden chicken in just about 20 minutes. Tender chicken tenders are coated in a creamy blend of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, and shredded Parmesan, then topped with more cheese for maximum crusty goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish brings tang, texture, and cheesy satisfaction. With minimal prep and oven-only cooking, it’s a fuss‑free meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe! First, it’s astonishingly simple—just a few pantry-friendly ingredients and one baking pan. The tangy, creamy coating in the sour cream/mayo mix delivers moisture and flavor, while the broiled Parmesan topping creates a golden, crunchy crust that’s utterly irresistible. Each bite gives you chicken that’s moist on the inside and delightfully crisp on the outside. Plus, it’s versatile—easy to customize with herbs or spice, and excellent for meal prep. Serve it solo, or alongside your favorite sides for a dinner that’s both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken tenders
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, or chives)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lay the chicken tenders on a baking tray and season them evenly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly across each chicken tender, covering the top side. Arrange the coated tenders on the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the tops, pressing gently so it adheres to the sour cream layer.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes, until the coating is set and the chicken is cooked through.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 3–4 minutes, watching closely until the Parmesan crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use Greek yogurt if you want a tangier, lighter coating than sour cream.
- Make sure to watch carefully during broil—it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sour cream mixture for 15–20 minutes before baking.
- If working with larger chicken pieces (breasts or thighs), adjust bake time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Substitutions And Variations
- Dairy substitutes: Use light sour cream or light Greek yogurt for fewer calories.
- Herbs and spices: Add a pinch of cayenne, Italian seasoning, or lemon zest to elevate flavor.
- Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago in place of Parmesan for different taste profiles.
- Protein variations: Works well with thin-sliced chicken breast, fish fillets, or even tofu steaks.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: Cool fully, wrap individually or in portions, and freeze in airtight packaging for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm in a regular oven or toaster oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for approximately 10 minutes to preserve crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it softens the crust.
Nutritional Information
Per chicken tender (based on 8 pieces total):
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Fat: 11 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
- Sodium: 214 mg
- Potassium: 211 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 205 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.7 mg
- Calcium: 92 mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with:
- A crisp green salad (e.g. arugula with lemon vinaigrette)
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- Mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or a quinoa pilaf
- A simple garlic bread or dinner roll on the side
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Yes! You can use thin-sliced chicken breasts or cut thicker pieces in half. Make sure the pieces are a consistent size to ensure even cooking. Bake until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C), increasing the bake time as needed before broiling.
Q: What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any?
A: Greek yogurt makes a great alternative—it offers a tangy, creamy texture and is usually lower in fat.
Q: How do I keep the crust crispy when reheating leftovers?
A: Warm in a regular oven or toaster oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for approximately 10 minutes. This method helps restore crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, because it can make the crust soggy.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Spread the sour cream mixture over the chicken, cover it, and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake and broil as directed. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining without last‑minute fuss.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying out this Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe! I genuinely love how this dish combines creamy tang and crispy, golden cheese in every bite—and how simple it is to pull together. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight supper or feeding guests, it brings bold flavor with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy every delicious piece, served hot and fresh from your oven. Wishing you a wonderful cooking experience, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community—here’s to many more easy and tasty meals ahead!
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Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
Description
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is your go-to weeknight recipe—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in just 20 minutes. Coated with a tangy sour cream-Parmesan topping and finished under the broiler for a golden crust, it’s a family favorite you’ll want on repeat. Perfect for busy nights—try it tonight!
Ingredients
8 chicken tenders
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or chives)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lay the chicken tenders on a baking tray and season them evenly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly across each chicken tender, covering the top side. Arrange the coated tenders on the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the tops, pressing gently so it adheres to the sour cream layer.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes, until the coating is set and the chicken is cooked through.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 3–4 minutes, watching closely until the Parmesan crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier flavor.
Perfect for meal prep—make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
To reheat leftovers, use the oven for a crispier crust.
Try with fish or tofu for a twist!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 13g