Introduction

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the savory flavors of parmesan cheese with the crispy crunch of breadcrumbs, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for those who love a flavorful, crunchy coating without the mess of frying. The combination of garlic, herbs, and parmesan takes a classic chicken dinner to the next level, making it perfect for weeknight meals or a special dinner. The best part? It’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of prep time. If you’re looking to impress guests or just want a quick, tasty meal, this dish is the way to go.

For the best results, you’ll want to season your chicken before breading. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to really penetrate. This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.

How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Protein: 35g per serving

Able to serve: 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures a crispy crust when baked.
4. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Bake the chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each with a little olive oil to help the crust crisp up during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
6. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips

• For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs mixed with crushed cornflakes for added texture.
• If you prefer a deeper flavor, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and garlic for about 30 minutes before breading.
• To make the chicken extra juicy, consider pan-searing the breasts for a couple of minutes on each side before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!