BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, you know their parmesan crusted chicken is absolutely legendary.

That perfectly golden, cheesy crust combined with tender, juicy chicken creates a flavor explosion that keeps people coming back for more. The good news? You can now recreate this copycat BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken right in your own kitchen!

This restaurant-quality dish features a creamy provolone and Parmesan cheese topping, ranch-marinated chicken breasts, and a buttery Panko breadcrumb finish that delivers that signature crunch.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress dinner guests, this BJ’s brewhouse parmesan crusted chicken recipe brings the restaurant experience straight to your table.

What Does It Taste Like?

The parmesan crusted chicken BJs serves is a masterpiece of textures and flavors. Imagine biting through a crispy, golden-brown Panko crust that gives way to a lusciously creamy cheese layer made from provolone and Parmesan.

The chicken itself is incredibly tender and juicy, infused with subtle ranch and Italian herb flavors from the marinade. The smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while the buttery breadcrumbs provide that irresistible crunch.

It’s savory, indulgent, and perfectly balanced – rich without being heavy. The combination of melted cheese, seasoned chicken, and crispy topping creates a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and restaurant-elegant.

BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 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)

The Cheese Topping:

• ½ cup cubed provolone cheese
• ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp ranch dressing (additional)

For the Breadcrumb Crust:

• ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Pinch of all-purpose seasoning or salt and pepper

Kitchen Utensils

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Mixing bowls (2-3)
• Oven-safe skillet or separate baking tray
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Meat thermometer
• Broiler-safe baking sheet

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight for best results)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 2 (easily doubles for 4)

BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Butterfly the chicken breasts by carefully slicing them in half horizontally, creating thinner cutlets. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until evenly flattened to about ½ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender results.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon ranch dressing, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This creates your flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring every surface is covered. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 4: While the chicken marinates, prepare your cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, combine cubed provolone cheese, shaved Parmesan, grated Parmesan, and an additional tablespoon of ranch dressing. Mix well until you achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Set aside.

Step 5: Create the breadcrumb topping by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and stirring in the Panko breadcrumbs. Add a light sprinkle of all-purpose seasoning or salt and pepper for enhanced flavor. The butter should coat all the breadcrumbs evenly.

Step 6: Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken breasts. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches approximately 155°F.

Step 7: If using an oven-safe skillet, keep the chicken in the pan; otherwise, transfer to a broiler-safe baking tray. Generously spread the prepared cheese mixture over each chicken breast, then top with the buttery Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 8: Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and set to high broil. Broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the topping turns golden brown and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Customization and Pairing for Serving Ideas

1. Classic Italian Twist: Transform your BJ’s chicken parmesan into a traditional Italian-American meal by serving it over a bed of al dente spaghetti with marinara sauce. The tangy tomato sauce complements the creamy cheese topping beautifully, and you can garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for an authentic trattoria experience.

2. Low-Carb Power Bowl: For a keto-friendly or low-carb option, slice the parmesan crusted chicken and serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with garlic butter or a light cream sauce for added richness without the carbs.

3. Gourmet Sandwich Creation: Turn leftovers into an incredible sandwich by placing the chicken on a toasted ciabatta roll with arugula, sliced tomatoes, and a garlic aioli spread. This makes for an elevated lunch that rivals any restaurant sandwich menu.

4. Mediterranean-Inspired Plate: Pair your BJs parmesan crusted chicken with Mediterranean sides like Greek salad, couscous, roasted red peppers, and hummus. The bright, fresh flavors balance the richness of the cheese crust perfectly.

5. Comfort Food Combo: Serve alongside classic steakhouse sides like creamy mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, and a Caesar salad for the ultimate comfort dinner. Add some warm dinner rolls and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy feast at home.

6. Spicy Kick Variation: Add heat to your copycat BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken by incorporating red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or drizzling with spicy honey or buffalo ranch after cooking. Serve with cooling ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side.

7. Brunch-Style Serving: Get creative by topping the chicken with a fried egg and serving it over hash browns or breakfast potatoes with fresh fruit on the side. The runny yolk adds another layer of indulgence to the already decadent dish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

1. Marination Matters: While 30 minutes will work in a pinch, marinating your chicken overnight in the ranch and herb mixture makes a tremendous difference in flavor depth. The chicken absorbs all those wonderful seasonings, and the ranch dressing’s acidity helps tenderize the meat. If you’re meal prepping, this step can be done 1-2 days ahead.

2. Even Thickness is Key: Taking time to properly butterfly and pound your chicken breasts ensures uniform cooking. Uneven chicken means some parts will be overcooked and dry while others remain undercooked. Aim for a consistent ½-inch thickness throughout, and your chicken will cook evenly and stay incredibly juicy.

3. Don’t Skip the Sear: That initial pan-searing step isn’t just about color – it’s about flavor. The Maillard reaction creates complex, savory notes and locks in moisture. Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding chicken, and resist the urge to move it around too much. Let it develop that golden crust undisturbed.

4. Cheese Temperature Tip: For the easiest spreading and best melting results, let your provolone cheese sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before mixing. Cold cheese won’t blend as smoothly with the ranch dressing and may not melt as evenly under the broiler.

5. Watch That Broiler: Broilers can go from perfectly golden to burned in seconds. Stay near your oven during this final step and check frequently. If your breadcrumbs are browning too quickly but your chicken hasn’t reached 165°F internally, move the rack down a notch or switch to regular baking at 400°F.

6. Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Guessing whether chicken is done leads to either dry, overcooked meat or undercooked protein. A reliable instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out entirely. 

7. Fresh Breadcrumbs Make a Difference: While store-bought Panko is convenient and works wonderfully, mixing in some freshly grated breadcrumbs or even crushing butter crackers creates an even more restaurant-quality texture.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, or use an air fryer at 360°F for 5-7 minutes for best results.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe that people often ask.

Can I make this BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken through the marinating and cheese topping stages up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the marinated chicken and prepared cheese mixture separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, proceed with searing and broiling. The breadcrumb mixture can also be prepped ahead and stored at room temperature.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing in this recipe?

If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can use buttermilk mixed with a little mayonnaise, or even sour cream thinned with milk. The key is maintaining that creamy, tangy element. Alternatively, use Greek yogurt for a healthier option, though the flavor profile will be slightly different from the authentic BJs version.

My cheese topping isn’t creamy enough – what went wrong?

This usually happens when the cheese is too cold or you haven’t added enough ranch dressing to bind it. Make sure your provolone is cubed small enough and let it sit at room temperature before mixing. Add ranch dressing gradually until you achieve a spreadable, almost paste-like consistency that will stay on top of the chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even more moist than breasts. They have more fat content, which means extra juiciness. Follow the same preparation method but note that thighs may need slightly less pounding and could take an extra minute or two to reach 165°F internal temperature.

How do I keep the breadcrumb topping from getting soggy?

The key is applying the cheese and breadcrumbs just before broiling, not while the chicken is still hot from searing. If you need to wait, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes first. Also, ensure your butter-breadcrumb mixture isn’t too saturated with butter – it should be moist but not dripping.

What’s the best way to butterfly chicken breasts safely?

Place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board with your non-knife hand on top for stability. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part, keeping your blade parallel to the cutting board. Work slowly and keep the chicken steady. Alternatively, ask your butcher to butterfly them for you – many will do this for free.

Can I bake this entirely in the oven instead of pan-searing first?

While you can bake it entirely at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, you’ll miss out on the flavorful crust that pan-searing provides. The searing step creates depth of flavor through caramelization that straight baking cannot replicate. For the most authentic copycat BJ’s brewhouse parmesan crusted chicken experience, the pan-sear is worth it.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Creating a truly dairy-free version is challenging since cheese is central to this dish’s identity. However, you could experiment with dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives, though the flavor will differ significantly. Use dairy-free ranch dressing as well, and substitute the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil.

Why is my chicken dry even though I followed the recipe?

Dry chicken typically results from overcooking. Make sure you’re not exceeding 165°F internal temperature, and remember that carryover cooking will add another 3-5 degrees after removal from heat. Marinating adequately also helps retain moisture, as does not over-pounding the chicken (which can break down fibers too much).

Can I freeze the prepared chicken before cooking?

Yes! You can freeze marinated, raw chicken breasts wrapped individually for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. However, it’s best not to freeze with the cheese topping already applied, as the texture won’t be as good after thawing. Add the cheese mixture fresh before cooking.

What sides go best with parmesan crusted chicken BJs style?

Classic pairings include garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread. For a lighter option, try a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Pasta with marinara sauce also works beautifully if you want a more substantial meal.

How can I make the crust extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness, make sure your Panko breadcrumbs are well-coated with butter but not soggy. Toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding butter for extra crunch. Additionally, placing your oven rack closer to the broiler element (but watching carefully) will create a crispier, more golden top.

This copycat BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe delivers all the restaurant magic right to your home kitchen. With its golden Panko crust, creamy cheese topping, and perfectly seasoned chicken, you’ll be amazed at how closely it matches the original BJ’s brewhouse version.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish never fails to satisfy. The best part? You can customize it endlessly while enjoying the comfort of restaurant-quality food without leaving home. Give this recipe a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

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