Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden crusted chicken breasts with a juicy interior. Simple pantry ingredients combine to create a flavorful and texturally pleasing meal, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressive homemade meals. The versatile crust can be customized with herbs, spices, and different breadcrumb or cheese options to suit your taste.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Crust Mixture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Binder
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere better.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to create the crust mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then press firmly into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, thorough coating. Press down so the crust sticks well to the chicken.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking, which ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Bake Until Golden and Crisp: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter to encourage browning and crispiness. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juiciness before serving.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly: Ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Provides better melting and crisping than pre-grated cheese.
- Don’t skip oil brushing: Brushing with olive oil or butter is key to a golden, crispy crust.
- Double coating option: For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip once more before baking.
- Rest before serving: Allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken, baked chicken breast, easy dinner, Italian herbs, quick chicken recipe, family friendly chicken