Crispy Chicken Breasts

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/22/21
Crispy Grilled Chicken

The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Total: 16 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
327 Calories
11g Fat
11g Carbs
42g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 327
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 15%
Saturated Fat 3g 16%
Cholesterol 154mg 51%
Sodium 476mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 42g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 112mg 9%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 370mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Crispy chicken is a weeknight meal that's perfect for busy families, as you need just a few minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of total cooking. Our grilled chicken recipe delivers to your table tender chicken breasts that are wonderfully coated with a crunchy crust. Herbs, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs bring aromatic and earthy flavors that impart a lot of character to the chicken. Easy to make, this recipe can be cooked on a dual contact indoor grill, on a flat griddle on the stovetop, or it can be baked in the oven. We don't recommend using the outdoor grill, as the breadcrumbs might fall through the grill's grate, and you might lose all the flavorful bits that make the crust.

The recipe is also very versatile. You can substitute or add other herbs into the mixture, but don't use fresh herbs as these will quickly burn. For dairy intolerances, use vegan Parmesan instead. It's an equally delicious product with the same umami flavor that you'd find in dairy Parmesan. If needed, use gluten-free breadcrumbs to avoid wheat-based ingredients in the recipe. We recommend using organic chicken as it guarantees a product that is antibiotic and additive free and also using poultry that's labeled "fresh" as this means the product has never been frozen. Use skinless chicken thighs if you'd like, the cooking time will be similar.

Serve this recipe with any of your favorite sides, as the chicken pairs well with all kinds of potatoes, noodles, rice, quinoa, salads, vegetables, cornbread, or other bread of your liking.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon minced dried chives

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 large egg, beaten

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Crispy grilled chicken ingredients

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  2. Prepare a 2-sided grill or skillet. In a shallow pan, combine the thyme, chives, basil, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over this mixture, working it into crumbs gently, until crumbs are coated.

    In a shallow pan, combine the herbs, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, salt, and pepper

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  3. Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, lightly pound the breasts until they are about 1/2-inch thick.

    Chicken breasts on waxed paper

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  4. Dip chicken breasts into the beaten egg.

    Dip chicken breasts into the beaten egg

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  5. Then firmly press each egg-coated breast into the breadcrumb mixture until they are well covered in crumbs all over.

    Firmly press each coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  6. Cook the chicken breasts on a 2-sided dual-contact indoor grill or a skillet for 4 to 6 minutes until thoroughly cooked to 160 F and juices run clear. If using a skillet, allow similar cooking time but always check the middle for doneness. Serve immediately.

    Crispy grilled chicken on an indoor grill

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  7. Enjoy.

Can I Cook the Chicken in the Oven?

Making this recipe in the oven is very easy and also might free your hands to prepare other dishes to serve with the chicken:

  • Before you start seasoning the breadcrumbs, turn the oven to 400 F and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Follow the method as is, and once the chicken is coated, place it on the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 19 to 24 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
  • For a crispier crust, broil briefly once the chicken is done.

Make and Freeze Breadcrumbs

Our seasoned breadcrumbs are great to coat veal, fish, beef, pork, turkey, tofu, and chicken. Having some at hand at all times is a great cooking trick, as you can make ahead, freeze, and use whenever needed.


Double or triple the ingredients, store the breadcrumbs in a freezer-safe bag and keep them for up to three months. Remember to never reuse or re-store breadcrumbs that have been in contact with raw chicken, fish, or meat. Once you've used them, toss whatever has raw chicken on it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.