Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 eggs, beaten - ¼ cup flour - Olive oil spray - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You need fresh chicken breasts for this dish. They should be boneless and skinless. This makes them easy to cook and eat. The star of the recipe is the blend of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. This mix gives a crispy and tasty crust. You’ll also need seasonings. Garlic powder adds flavor. Italian seasoning gives it a nice herb touch. Paprika and black pepper give a little kick. For the coating, you will use eggs and flour. The flour helps the egg stick better to the chicken. Beaten eggs coat the chicken well so the crust holds on during cooking. Lastly, don't forget the olive oil spray. It helps make the chicken crispy without adding too many extra calories. Fresh parsley is a nice touch for garnish. It makes your dish look pretty and fresh. Gather these ingredients and get ready for a fun cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps get that golden crust. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up easy and keeps the chicken from sticking. 3. In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. 1. Set up your breading station. Place the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the Parmesan-panko mixture in the last bowl. 2. Take one chicken breast and dredge it in the flour. Shake off any extra flour; you want a light coating. 3. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s fully coated for the best adhesion. 4. Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan-panko mixture. Make sure to coat both sides well. This is where you get that crunchy texture. 1. Place the coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. This adds extra crunch and browning. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. To get that crunchy bite, use olive oil spray. This spray helps the coating turn golden brown and crispy. It adds a nice finish without extra fat. Just a light mist works wonders. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. The parchment helps the heat circulate around the chicken. This way, every side cooks evenly. One big mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If you place too many chicken pieces together, they steam instead of crisp. Make sure to give each piece space to breathe. This ensures they get that perfect crunch. Also, pay attention to your coating technique. If you don’t coat the chicken well, it won’t stick. Make sure to press the chicken firmly into the Parmesan-panko mix. Both sides should be covered for the best flavor and texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices and improve tenderness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch. Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the flavors in Parmesan crusted chicken. Adding herbs or spices can make it unique. Try fresh basil or oregano for a garden taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat. Mix in lemon zest for a fresh zing. If you want to switch up the cheese, you have options. Try using shredded mozzarella for a gooey texture. Crumbled feta brings a salty kick. A mix of cheddar and Parmesan gives a rich flavor. Experiment and find what you love! You can cook Parmesan crusted chicken in different ways for varied results. Air frying is a great method for a healthier twist. It makes the chicken crispy without using much oil. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispiness. Grilling is another fun option. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. This method gives a great smoky flavor. Sautéing in a pan is also quick. Heat some oil in a skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Each method offers a tasty twist on this dish! To keep your Parmesan crusted chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and flavors intact. It stays good for about three to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. This way, it can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, you want them to be crispy. The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust nice and crunchy. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. You can pair Parmesan crusted chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables: Try carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for color and flavor. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the crunch of the chicken. - Fresh salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal. For sauces, a tangy marinara or a simple lemon butter sauce works well. These add moisture and a burst of flavor. Yes, you can easily make Parmesan crusted chicken gluten-free. Here are some ideas: - Flour substitutes: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. - Breadcrumb options: Look for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crush gluten-free crackers. These swaps ensure your dish stays crunchy and delicious without gluten. The total time for this dish is about 40 minutes. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: It takes around 15 minutes to get everything ready. - Cooking time: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. To check if the chicken is done, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and juicy. You now have a complete guide to making Parmesan Crusted Chicken. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips to ensure a crispy finish. Don’t forget the common mistakes to avoid, like overcrowding the baking sheet. Explore variations to enhance flavors, and consider different cooking methods. Remember, proper storage and reheating keep leftovers enjoyable. This dish is versatile and perfect for various occasions. Get ready to impress with your cooking skills!$

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated with Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 pieces eggs, beaten
0.25 cup flour
1 spray olive oil spray
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
Set up a breading station: in one bowl, place the flour; in another, the beaten eggs; and in the final bowl, your Parmesan-panko mixture.
Take each chicken breast and dredge it in flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan-panko mixture, coating both sides well.
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for an extra crispy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a colorful plate, and pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to add vibrant color and texture.

Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, parmesan