Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful meal, featuring tender chicken breasts coated with a savory blend of panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted, 1 stick; reduce added salt if using salted butter)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Coating Mix
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This mixture will help the coating adhere to the chicken and add flavor.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. This dry mixture creates a flavorful and crunchy crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each pounded chicken breast into the butter mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Then dredge the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well on both sides.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crunch and flavor, optionally top each breast with additional breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crisp. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juiciness.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve immediately. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste; pre-grated cheese can be too fine and less flavorful.
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking makes it juicier and more tender.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
