Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan and Herb Crust
Juicy pan-fried chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan and herb crust, served with a light tomato sauce for a comforting Australian pub-inspired meal. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 large (about 6 oz each), pounded to even thickness chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2, beaten large eggs
- 3/4 cup (75g) breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- a handful, torn (optional) fresh basil leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp dried oregano. In separate bowls, place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup breadcrumbs. Beat 2 large eggs in a third bowl.
- Step 2: Season 2 pounded chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each breast first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the Parmesan-herb mixture to coat well.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 5: Spoon the tomato sauce over the chicken breasts and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves if using. Serve immediately with your choice of side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan and Herb Crust take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan and Herb Crust?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (50g) grated parmesan cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan and Herb Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan and Herb Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan and Herb Crust?
Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.