There’s nothing quite like a crispy, golden-crusted chicken that’s bursting with flavor. This dish is the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken with a crunchy parmesan-panko topping and a creamy mozzarella filling. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Whether you’re serving it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies, it’s a high-protein meal that feels like fine dining at home.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Mozzarella Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Versatile: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Flavor-Packed: Marinated chicken and a crispy parmesan crust make every bite absolutely delicious.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps with big rewards—great for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients in Crispy Mozzarella Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Here’s why each ingredient makes this dish irresistible:
For the Chicken:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are marinated for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Italian Dressing: Adds a tangy, herby depth to the chicken while keeping it juicy.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of umami-rich goodness that enhances the overall taste.
Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper adds bold flavor to every bite.
For the Topping:
Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty goodness that takes this dish to the next level.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps create the perfect crispy topping.
Ranch Dressing: A creamy element that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The key to a light and crunchy crust.
Butter: Helps the breadcrumbs achieve that irresistible golden brown crunch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and ranch dressing until well combined.
Coat with Crunch: In a separate bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. This helps create that crispy, golden crust.
Assemble the Dish: Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the buttery breadcrumb mixture.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a side of fresh greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
How to Serve Crispy Mozzarella Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Fresh Salads: A simple arugula or Caesar salad makes a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients and color.
Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.
Pasta Side: Serve with a light pasta dish for a more indulgent meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for even deeper flavor.
Extra Crispy Tip: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get an ultra-crispy topping.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out mozzarella and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A1: Yes! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A2: Yes, assemble it in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish? A4: Yes! Freeze before baking and cook from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10 minutes.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.
Q6: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko? A6: Yes, but Panko gives a crunchier texture.
Q7: What’s a good substitute for ranch dressing? A7: Try Greek yogurt with a pinch of garlic powder and herbs.
Q8: Can I make this dish low-carb? A8: Use crushed pork rinds instead of Panko for a keto-friendly version.
Q9: Can I air-fry this dish? A9: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden and crispy.
Q10: How can I add more spice? A10: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
This Crispy Mozzarella Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a must-try! Whether for an easy weeknight meal or a special dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit. Give it a go and enjoy every bite!
Print
Crispy Mozzarella Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Mozzarella Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick dinner idea that’s packed with flavor! Juicy, tender chicken is marinated for extra taste, then topped with a golden, crunchy parmesan-panko crust. With a creamy mozzarella filling, this dish is perfect for a fine dining recipe at home. Serve with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a healthy recipe lunch or a satisfying high-protein dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
- Pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness and coat in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for best flavor).
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
-
Prepare the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix mozzarella, parmesan, and ranch dressing.
- In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter.
-
Broil for a Crispy Finish:
- Top each chicken breast evenly with the cheese mixture, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
- Transfer to the oven and broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the Panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan before adding them to the topping.
- Swap ranch dressing for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- This recipe works great with chicken thighs as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg