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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.