Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and delicious way to impress your family or guests? Look no further than Parmesan Crusted Chicken! This mouthwatering dish combines the savory crunch of parmesan cheese with tender chicken, making it an instant hit at the dinner table. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this easy, time-saving recipe that even beginner cooks will master in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked chicken fillet, lightly coated in flavorful parmesan cheese. You’ll fall in love with this recipe for several reasons:


  1. Easy Preparation: This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is both beginner-friendly and simple enough for seasoned chefs. You’ll only need a few steps to achieve a restaurant-quality meal.



  2. Time-Saving: Busy weeknights can make cooking feel overwhelming. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick meals after a long day.



  3. Affordable Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making this an economical choice for delicious dining.



  4. Customization: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.


Now that we’ve piqued your interest, let’s dive into the specifics of preparing this delightful dish!

Ingredients

To make the perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken, gather these essential ingredients:

  • Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): The star of the dish; choose fresh for the best flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a rich flavor.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide that perfect crunchy texture.
  • Egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: For that extra flavor kick.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs and depth.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste.

What You’ll Need to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

  • Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing the pan)
  • A baking sheet
  • A shallow bowl (for egg mixture)
  • A large plate or shallow dish (for the cheese and breadcrumb mixture)

Equipment

Here’s what you need to successfully make this recipe:

  • Baking Sheet: A sturdy one that can hold the weight of multiple chicken breasts.
  • Shallow Bowls: For breading processes; you can use pie plates if you have them.
  • Baking Spray or Olive Oil: For a non-stick solution.

Optional: A meat mallet to pound chicken for uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking.

Step-by-Step Process

Follow these simple steps to create your delectable Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure your chicken cooks evenly.

2. Prepare the Chicken

  • If your chicken breasts are thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This step is crucial for even cooking.

3. Make the Breading Mixture

  • In a shallow bowl, combine about 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Whisk the Egg

  • In another shallow bowl, crack and whisk one egg. This will act as the adhesive for your breading.

5. Coat the Chicken

  • Dip each chicken breast in the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated before dredging it in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently for an even coat.

6. Bake the Chicken

  • Place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

7. Rest and Serve

  • Once done, allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps keep it juicy.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting


  • Ensure Even Cooking: For consistently cooked chicken, pound your breasts to an even thickness. Uneven pieces will lead to one side being overcooked while the other remains undercooked.



  • Avoid Soggy Bread Crust: For the crispiest crust, make sure each piece is well coated and lightly oil the tops before baking.



  • Season to Taste: Always taste your breadcrumb mixture before adding it to the chicken. Adjust spices according to your preference.


If you find your chicken isn’t crispy enough, give it a broil for an additional 2–3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!

Serving Suggestions

Looking for the best ways to use your Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Try these creative variations:


  • Over a Salad: Slice and add it over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for an easy salad.



  • In a Wrap or Sandwich: Use it as a filling in a wrap with fresh vegetables and zesty sauce.



  • With Pasta: Place your chicken atop a bed of spaghetti or toss it with your favorite pasta dish.


Storage

To maximize freshness, store leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to three months.

FAQ

u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eCan you freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken?u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003e

u003cpu003eYes, cooked chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.u003c/pu003e

u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHow do you reheat Parmesan Crusted Chicken?u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003e

u003cpu003eReheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. You can also microwave but may lose texture.u003c/pu003e

u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWhat should I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003e

u003cpu003eIt pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta.u003c/pu003e

u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eCan I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003e

u003cpu003eAbsolutely! Chicken thighs will produce a juicier result, though the cooking time may vary.u003c/pu003e

    Nutrition

    This dish not only delights your taste buds but also provides a healthy serving of protein. Here’s a quick overview:

    • Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.
    • Calcium: From Parmesan cheese which supports bone health.
    • Low Carbs: Perfect for low-carb diets when paired with veggies.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers both flavor and convenience. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, it’s a perfect dinner option for any night of the week. Don’t hesitate, give this recipe a try and impress your family tonight! Explore other recipes on our blog to elevate your cooking journey, and as always, happy cooking!

    Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    A quick and delicious dish that features tender chicken breasts coated with savory parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Course: Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Calories: 350

    Ingredients
      

    Main Ingredients
    • 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh for the best flavor
    • 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Adds a rich flavor
    • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs Provides crunchy texture
    • 1 large Egg Helps the coating stick to the chicken
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder For extra flavor kick
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds aromatic herbs and depth
    • to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust to your preference
    Equipment
    • 1 piece Baking sheet Sturdy enough for multiple chicken breasts
    • 2 pieces Shallow bowls For egg mixture and cheese/breadcrumb mixture
    • as needed Cooking spray or olive oil For greasing the pan

    Method
     

    Preparation
    1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure your chicken cooks evenly.
    2. If the chicken breasts are thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
    Breading Mixture
    1. In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
    2. In another shallow bowl, crack and whisk one egg.
    3. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then dredge in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for an even coat.
    Baking
    1. Place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet.
    2. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish.
    3. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    Serving
    1. Once done, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to keep it juicy.

    Notes

    For a crispier crust, ensure each piece is well coated and lightly oil the tops before baking. Adjust spices as needed. You can also broil for an additional 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating