Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is the kind of meal that always brings a smile to the table! Fresh basil pesto twirls around tender strands of pasta, all crowned with irresistibly crunchy Parmesan chicken. This recipe’s magic is in the details: once you Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips, you reveal a golden crust that’s just begging to be paired with creamy, herbaceous noodles for a satisfying bite every time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but comes together quickly for any night of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beautiful simplicity of these ingredients! Each one brings a unique texture, flavor, or color to the dish, and together, they create pure pasta perfection—don’t skip a single one!

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the perfect blank canvas for a crispy, savory crust.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a big, nutty flavor and helps create that golden, crispy shell everyone loves on the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): These give the chicken its extra crunch and airy bite.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a whisper of garlicky warmth throughout the dish.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the savory depth of both the chicken and the pasta.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
• Olive Oil: For pan-frying the chicken to golden-brown perfection.
• Pasta (such as spaghetti or penne): The base of your dish—choose your favorite shape!
• Basil Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, this is the flavor bomb that coats your pasta.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a citrusy brightness that instantly wakes up all the flavors.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (optional): A pop of color and an extra burst of basil essence for garnish.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese when serving pasta!

How to Make Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start with fresh chicken breasts and lay them out on your cutting board. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step sets a delicious foundation—don’t be shy! The seasoning ensures that every bite of your crispy chicken will be flavorful from the inside out.

Step 2: Coat and Dredge for Crispiness

In a shallow bowl, mix that glorious grated Parmesan with the panko breadcrumbs. Now, press each chicken breast firmly into this mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. The cheese clings to the chicken, promising an ultra-crispy crust after frying. The more even your coating, the better your crunch!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, gently lay the breaded chicken in. Sizzle each side for 6 to 7 minutes, aiming for a deep golden color and making sure it cooks all the way through (165°F inside). Let your masterpiece rest on a plate for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta & Pesto

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your pasta just until al dente—don’t overcook it, you want that perfect texture! Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining. In a large bowl, toss the hot, drained noodles with your basil pesto, using a bit of pasta water to help the sauce coat each strand luxuriously.

Step 5: Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips

This is the game-changing step! Grab your rested chicken breasts and, with a sharp knife, Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips. Arrange them generously on top of your glistening pesto pasta. The contrast between juicy meat and crackling crust is simply unbeatable—every forkful is a new favorite.

How to Serve Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips

Garnishes

Shower your plate with ribbons of fresh basil, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and, if you like, a squeeze of lemon juice. These little touches make each serving look gorgeous and taste bright and fresh.

Side Dishes

This meal shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even some garlic bread for a true Italian-inspired feast. The bright pesto and crunchy chicken play well with simple, fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

You can pile the pesto pasta high, then arrange the sliced chicken artistically on top, or even toss the strips in with the noodles for a more casual, tossed-together style. For parties, Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips and serve as a pasta bar where everyone can build their own bowl with their favorite garnishes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra, let everything cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Pasta and chicken can be stored together or separately in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping everything fresh and flavor-packed for lunch or dinner in a pinch.

Freezing

While pesto pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken. After you Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick meal upgrade.

Reheating

For the best texture, warm the chicken in the oven or an air fryer to bring back its crunch, and reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra pesto. Reunite them and you’ll never believe it’s leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and work beautifully with this method. Adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, and then Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips before serving.

What type of pasta works best?

You can use spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine—each shape brings its own charm and holds the pesto differently. Just aim for a pasta with some ridges or shape so the sauce clings well.

How do I make my chicken extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs for crunchier results and make sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry the chicken until it’s deeply golden, then let it rest before using the key step: Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips for serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with gluten-free pasta and swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. The rest of the recipe stays shining, and you’ll never miss the difference.

Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?

Definitely! Store-bought pesto makes this dish weeknight friendly and delicious. If you want a brighter, fresher flavor, doctor it up with a bit of fresh lemon juice or more grated Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you feel inspired to whip up this Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken and that you never forget the magic step to Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips. This little touch transforms a comforting dinner into something memorable, making every bite perfectly irresistible. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and savor the simple joy of pasta night gone gourmet!

Print