Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon is a mouthwatering dish that combines golden, crunchy Parmesan coating with savory bacon and melty Asiago cheese. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The crispy exterior and juicy chicken inside strike the perfect balance, while the bacon–Asiago topping adds another layer of indulgence. This recipe is ideal for those craving comforting flavors without hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a satisfying, protein-packed meal ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon
- Flavor-Packed: Parmesan, garlic, bacon, and Asiago combine to create bold, delicious flavors.
- Crispy Texture: The skillet-fried crust gives each bite a delightful crunch you’ll crave.
- Quick & Easy: With prep, fry, bake, and broil steps, this dish comes together in about 45 minutes.
- Flexible: Gluten-free when using GF breadcrumbs or flour, and perfect with a side salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Works beautifully for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4–5 oz each)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ½–¾ cup oil (for frying)
- 1–1½ cups shredded Asiago cheese (for topping)
- 3–4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (slightly underdone is fine—you’ll finish under the broiler)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). - Prepare Coatings
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- In a separate bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip each breast in the egg wash, then press both sides into the Parmesan mixture to form an even crust.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot (tested by a drop of water that sizzles on contact).
- Fry each breast 2–3 minutes per side, or until the crust starts turning golden brown. Tip: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the crust may stick or fall apart.
- Bake to Finish Cooking
- Line a baking pan with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the chicken on the rack and bake about 20 minutes, or until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Time may vary depending on thickness.
- Add Toppings & Broil
- Remove chicken from the oven and switch the oven to broil.
- Sprinkle each breast with shredded Asiago and crumbled bacon.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm
Let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pound thicker breasts to an even ½-inch for consistent cooking.
- Oil Temp: Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer—ideal oil temp is around 350 °F.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches if needed for crispy crust and even browning.
- Wire Rack: Prevents soggy bottoms during baking by allowing hot air to circulate.
- Watch the Broiler: Cheese melts quickly, so keep the oven door open to monitor the browning.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cheese Swap: Use Romano or Pecorino Romano in place of Asiago for sharper flavor.
- Crust Alternatives: Mix in ½ cup of almond flour for extra nuttiness, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs/Parmesan blend.
- Herbs: Add 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the Parmesan mixture.
- Meat Variation: Try thinly sliced pork cutlets or turkey breasts for a lighter twist.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese coating.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350 °F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked breasts separately in freezer bags—the bacon and cheese topping may slightly separate. Reheat directly from frozen at 375 °F for ~20–25 minutes.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.9 g
- Fat: 22.7 g
- Protein: 48.7 g
This meal offers a high-protein boost, minimal carbs, and a generous amount of healthy fats—ideal for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh mixed green salad.
- Try zucchini noodles or butternut squash pasta for a low-carb pairing.
- Serve with a drizzle of lemony aioli or garlic herb butter for extra richness.
- Add a vibrant touch with roasted tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon
Q: Can I bake instead of frying the crust?
A: Yes, though the crispiness may be slightly different. Preheat your oven to 425 °F. Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack, lightly mist with cooking spray, and bake for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Some readers reported fantastic results with no sogginess—let us know what you think!
Q: Can I make this dairy-free or nut-free?
A: For dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and skip the topping cheese or use a vegan cheese. If avoiding nuts, keep the coating simple with GF breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Q: How thick should the chicken be for best results?
A: Aim for ½″ thick for even cooking. Thicker cuts take longer and risk overcooking the crust before the inside is done.
Q: Can I prep ahead?
A: Yes! Coat the chicken, then refrigerate on a rack-covered pan, up to 24 hours ahead. Fry, bake, and broil when ready—great for stress-free meal prep.
Q: What side dishes complement this?
A: Light, fresh sides such as green beans sautéed with garlic, or a crisp Caesar salad. A lemony couscous or simple cauliflower mash also pairs nicely.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for cooking Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon with me! I absolutely love how the crispy Parmesan crust, savory bacon, and melty Asiago come together in one delicious bite. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a restaurant-quality dish come together with such ease—and the bonus is how satisfying it is for everyone at the table. Whether you’re savoring it solo or serving it up to guests, I hope this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and smiles to your meal. Thanks for being part of this food-loving community—enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite, happy cooking, and bon appétit!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon is a crispy, cheesy chicken recipe topped with melty Asiago and smoky bacon. It’s fast, full of flavor, and perfect for a satisfying family dinner or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4–5 oz each)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp water
½–¾ cup oil (for frying)
1–1½ cups shredded Asiago cheese (for topping)
3–4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). - Prepare Coatings
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- In a separate bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip each breast in the egg wash, then press both sides into the Parmesan mixture to form an even crust.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot (tested by a drop of water that sizzles on contact).
- Fry each breast 2–3 minutes per side, or until the crust starts turning golden brown. Tip: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the crust may stick or fall apart.
- Bake to Finish Cooking
- Line a baking pan with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the chicken on the rack and bake about 20 minutes, or until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Time may vary depending on thickness.
- Add Toppings & Broil
- Remove chicken from the oven and switch the oven to broil.
- Sprinkle each breast with shredded Asiago and crumbled bacon.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm
Let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use thin, even chicken breasts and ensure your oil is properly heated to keep the crust intact. Baking-only instructions: coat and place chicken on a rack-lined pan, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying, Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.9 g
- Protein: 48.7 g