Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers a crispy, cheesy coating with tender chicken inside. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, offering a satisfying crunch and rich taste that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian seasoned work best)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over each piece, pressing lightly to help it stick.
- Step 4: Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- For extra golden tops, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Mix a little Dijon mustard into the mayonnaise layer for an added zing.
Storage
Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave until heated through if you prefer softer crust.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing the recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the dish gluten-free while still maintaining a crunchy coating.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, then topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. This oven-baked dish delivers a golden, crispy exterior and a moist interior, perfect for an easy, elegant meal that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Make the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. In another separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful breadcrumb mixture.
- Assemble the Chicken: Evenly spread the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Then, generously sprinkle the breadcrumb seasoning mixture over the mayo-coated chicken, pressing gently to adhere it firmly for a crunchy crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust turns golden brown and crispy. For an extra golden top, you may broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a garden salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
- If you want an extra crunchy and golden crust, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- For an added depth of flavor, try mixing a small amount of Dijon mustard into the mayonnaise before spreading it on the chicken.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, baked chicken breast, crispy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, easy chicken dinner, low fat chicken, cheesy crust chicken
