There’s nothing like recreating your favorite restaurant classics in the comfort of your own kitchen and today, we’re diving into the irresistible BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. With a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping, juicy chicken, and cheesy richness, this dish hits all the right notes. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make!
This BJ’s Brewhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe gained serious love on Twitter, and it’s not hard to see why. Inspired by BJ’s and popularized by Himmel Chicken, this version is tender, flavorful, and totally satisfying. You get the perfect crunch from Panko, melted provolone and Parmesan, and a mouthwatering herb marinade.
Let’s break down how you can recreate this restaurant-style favorite right in your own kitchen no reservations needed.
Why You’ll Love BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
From the moment I started prepping the chicken, I could already tell this would be a hit. Butterflying and pounding the chicken flat created the perfect base for even cooking and that’s key for locking in the juices.
The marinade was a blend of olive oil, BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. As soon as it hit the skillet, the aroma was unbelievable. That cheesy, crispy topping? Pure heaven.
I served it with mashed potatoes and honey Sriracha green beans. It looked and tasted like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Honestly, I’ll be making this again soon!
Ingredients Required for BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup cubed provolone cheese
- ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife (for butterflying)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or frying pan
- Oven or broiler
- Tongs or spatula
- Baking tray (optional)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor)
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
Copycat BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home
1. Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half horizontally. Then, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound evenly with a mallet or rolling pin until about ½ inch thick.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, mix olive oil, ranch dressing, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Coat the chicken thoroughly with this marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
3. Make the Cheese Topping: In another bowl, combine cubed provolone, shaved Parmesan, and a bit more ranch dressing. Mix well to form a creamy, cheesy topping. Set aside for later.
4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: Melt butter and stir in the Panko breadcrumbs. Add a light sprinkle of all-purpose seasoning or salt and pepper for extra flavor.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through (internal temp around 155°F).
6. Top and Broil: Transfer the chicken to a baking tray. Spread the cheese mixture on top, followed by the buttery breadcrumbs. Broil on high for 3–5 minutes, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve immediately.
How to Store BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Properly?
Store leftover Parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to retain crispiness.
What to Pair and Serve with BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This is our go-to comfort pairing. The richness of the chicken and crunch of the crust balances beautifully with velvety mashed potatoes especially with a hint of roasted garlic.
2. Honey Sriracha Green Beans
We tried this once and it’s been on repeat ever since. The sweet heat from the beans cuts through the creamy cheese topping perfectly.
3. Buttery Parmesan Pasta
Sometimes we double down on the cheese and serve it over a bed of buttery Parmesan noodles. It feels indulgent, and we’re not mad about it.
4. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest
When we want something lighter, roasted asparagus with a touch of lemon is a fresh and zesty contrast to the richness of the chicken.
5. Basil Pesto Orzo Salad
We paired it with a cold orzo salad or BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad tossed in basil pesto one summer evening total flavor bomb. Light, herbaceous, and perfect for warm days.
6. Garlic Bread and Caesar Salad
For that full restaurant vibe, we go all in crispy garlic bread and a chilled Caesar salad on the side. It feels like dining out at home.
7. Balsamic Glazed Bj’s Brewhouse Brussel Sprouts
The tangy balsamic glaze adds a sweet punch that complements the cheesy crust. If you’re into bold flavors, this one’s for you.
8. Loaded Baked Potato
This one’s a crowd favorite. We love piling on sour cream, cheese, and green onions alongside the chicken it turns dinner into an event.
9. Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Perfect for the picky eaters in our family. The cheese sauce ties it all together, and nobody complains about eating veggies.
10. Over Creamy Polenta
A little unexpected, but so good. The soft, creamy polenta soaks up every bit of cheesy, juicy goodness from the chicken. It’s pure comfort food.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
1. Use Fresh Chicken
Fresh chicken cooks better and tastes yummy. Try not to use frozen chicken if you can.
2. Cut the Chicken Flat
Cut the chicken in half so it’s thin. This helps it cook the same all over.
3. Pound It Gently
Use a soft tool like a rolling pin to make the chicken flat. Don’t hit too hard!
4. Let It Soak
Let the chicken sit in the sauce (marinade) for a little while. This makes it taste even better.
5. Use Real Cheese
Use real provolone and Parmesan cheese, not the powder kind. It melts so nicely!
6. Don’t Burn the Bread Crumbs
Watch the oven when you broil the chicken. It can turn brown really fast!
7. Press the Cheese Down
Push the cheese and bread crumbs gently on the chicken so they stick well.
8. Let the Chicken Rest
After it’s done cooking, let it sit for 2 minutes. This keeps it juicy.
9. Check the Middle
Cut one piece to make sure it’s white inside. If it’s pink, cook it a little more.
10. Have Fun!
Cooking should be fun. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect it will still taste great!
FAQs on BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but we always thaw them first. Frozen chicken straight from the freezer doesn’t cook evenly and can turn out dry. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
We use a meat thermometer to be sure it should hit 165°F inside. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. If it’s white and the juices run clear, you’re good to go!
3. Can I skip the marinating step?
You can, but we don’t recommend it. Even just 30 minutes in the marinade adds so much flavor. We’ve skipped it before in a rush, and the difference is noticeable.
4. What kind of cheese works best?
Provolone and Parmesan are the dream team. We tried mozzarella once, but it didn’t have that sharp, rich flavor we wanted. Stick with the originals!
5. Is it okay to bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes, we’ve baked it before at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. But pan-searing gives that extra golden crust we love, so we usually go that route.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! We’ve prepped the chicken and stored it in the fridge overnight. Just add the toppings and broil right before serving for a fresh finish.
7. What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
We’ve used crushed crackers and even regular breadcrumbs before. It works, but Panko gives the best crunch by far.
8. How do I reheat leftovers without losing the crisp?
The oven is your best friend! We pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave makes it soggy, so we avoid it when we can.
9. What sides go best with this?
Mashed potatoes and green beans are our top pick. But honestly, it pairs well with salads, pasta, or roasted veggies too. We’ve tried it all!
10. Can I make it spicy?
Oh yes we’ve added crushed red pepper to the breadcrumbs and even a dash of hot sauce in the marinade. A little heat takes it up a notch!
There you have it your own homemade version of BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe, full of bold flavor and crave-worthy texture. If you love restaurant-quality meals without the price tag, this one’s a must-try. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with your fellow food lovers. Give it a go and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
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