Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. If needed, use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and stays juicy. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

• In three separate shallow bowls, set up your dredging ingredients:
• Bowl 1: Combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
• Bowl 2: Crack the eggs and beat them until smooth.
• Bowl 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Feel free to add Italian seasoning or paprika for extra flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

• First, coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the flour mixture. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it's fully covered. After that, press the chicken into the panko-parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Gently press to make sure it sticks.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken – Choose Your Method

Option A: Oven-Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken on the sheet. For extra crispiness, brush or drizzle the tops of the chicken with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes if you like.

Option B: Skillet Method

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook in batches.

Option C: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with oil spray. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. Garnish with fresh parsley or serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.