Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. If the chicken breasts are thick, use a meat tenderizer to pound them to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.
Make the Coating:
In a bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then press it into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Cook the Chicken:
For Baking: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the top for extra crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
For Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet with a thin layer of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.