Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Published July 10, 2022 • Updated February 3, 2026
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Parmesan crusted chicken is a quick keto weeknight dinner made with simple ingredients. That golden-brown crust is impossible to resist!
Parmesan-crusted chicken is one of my favorite low carb weeknight dishes. I also love making chicken schnitzel, chicken cordon bleu casserole, and creamy Tuscan chicken when I need a different chicken recipe.
This recipe is made with chicken cutlets coated in shredded parmesan cheese and pan-fried in avocado oil until a crispy golden-brown crust forms. I squeeze some lemon juice on top for a bright and fresh addition. Serve with a low-carb side and your favorite salad for a simple homemade dinner.
With only four ingredients, it’s perfect for those nights when I’m cooking after a busy day at work. No one will ever know it took under an hour to make!
How to make parmesan crusted chicken
Here are brief instructions on how to make this chicken. For the full description, see the recipe card below.
- Pound and season the chicken: Start by pounding the chicken covered with plastic wrap with a mallet or rolling pin to make them all the same thickness.
- Dip chicken in the breading: Dip the chicken in a bowl of almond flour, then the whisked egg wash, and then back in the almond flour with parmesan cheese.
- Fry chicken: After coating the chicken, heat a pan and drizzle in plenty of avocado oil. Add the chicken and cook on each side when the oil is hot, and the pan is smoking slightly. Check the temperature with a digital thermometer and allow to rest for five minutes before cutting.
- Serve: Cut the chicken into slices and serve with side dishes.
Key ingredients
These ingredients combine to make a juicy and tasty weeknight chicken meal.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins can also be used.
- Almond flour: Almond flour is perfect for coating our chicken cutlets. It gives a slight nutty flavor.
- Egg whites: No need to include egg yolks in the dip. The frothy egg whites will help the parmesan cheese stick to the chicken breast.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan creates an excellent, slightly salty outer crust on this chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Add a little salt and pepper for seasoning.
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Ingredients
2 pounds chicken breast (cut in half to make thin cutlets) -
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon almond flour
-
3 egg whites
-
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
-
2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Prep chicken cutlets
Place the chicken breasts in between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to a 1/4 inch thickness. Pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Chicken breasts
Prepare dipping bowls
Prepare 3 bowls for the crust. For the first bowl, add 1/4 cup of almond flour and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. Mix to combine. For the second bowl whisk egg whites until foamy. The third bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of almond flour mixed with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Almond flour (divided)
- Egg whites
- Parmesan cheese (grated & shredded)
Dust, dip and dredge
First, add a chicken cutlet in the first bowl to coat with almond flour and grated parmesan cheese. Dust all over. Then dip in the egg whites. Finally dredge in the shredded parmesan cheese mixture until coated all over. Repeat with remaining chicken cutlets.
Stovetop instructions
Heat your favorite cooking oil over medium heat. Add 2-3 coated chicken cutlets to the hot oil and fry until the edges look cooked and the underside is golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove and continue with the rest of the chicken. Serve with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
Oven instructions
To make baked parmesan crusted chicken, bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Serve with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should the oil be to fry parmesan chicken?
If you plan on frying the chicken in a pot of oil, the temperature should be 350 degrees. You don't want it too hot, or the outside will burn before the inside cooks. I flip the chicken pieces over to fry the other side as well.
What other cheeses can be used in this recipe?
You can use any hard cheese like Romano or manchego.
How do you get the perfect crust on parmesan chicken?
The key to getting the perfect crust on this chicken is to make sure the pan is hot and slightly smoking before adding the chicken to the pan.
The shredded parm crust gets so crispy on the stovetop. Way better than regular breadcrumbs ever were.
The shredded parm is the key. Regular grated doesn't get that crispy shatter on the edges.
Air fryer version. 12 minutes. The parm crust was perfectly crispy.
12 minutes is spot on for air fryer. I flip mine at 6 and the crust gets that same shatter.