Why Make This Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavors of Parmesan cheese and spices with tender, juicy chicken. This recipe is a great choice for dinner any night of the week. Not only is it easy to make, but it also delivers that satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness that everyone loves. Plus, you only need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen!
Another reason to make this dish is its versatility. You can serve it with a variety of sides to create a well-balanced meal. Whether it’s paired with a fresh salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables, this chicken recipe fits perfectly into any dining experience. Cooking at home can be rewarding, and this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is sure to impress family and friends.
Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delicious dish at home.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Cooking Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a straightforward process that can be completed in about 45 minutes. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your oven is hot enough to create a crispy crust on the chicken.
Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Prepare the egg mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they are fully blended. This mixture will help the breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken.
Coat the chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken breast in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the chicken from sticking.
Add oil: Drizzle the coated chicken with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. This will help create a golden, crispy exterior.
Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is a beautiful golden brown. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a minute before serving. This helps keep the juices inside and makes the chicken even more tender.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be served in many ways. Here are some excellent serving suggestions:
With Pasta: Serve the chicken on a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a light marinara sauce or Alfredo for a hearty meal.
With Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad for a light and healthy option. Adding fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers can enhance the meal.
With Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. The crunchy texture of the chicken complements the softness of the veggies.
With Rice or Quinoa: For a filling side, add a serving of rice or quinoa. A lemony rice or herb-flavored quinoa will pair nicely with the flavor of the chicken.
How to Store Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you have leftovers, storing Parmesan Crusted Chicken is easy:
In the Refrigerator: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you’ve made a larger batch, you can also freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
Tips to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, consider gently pounding the chicken breasts to uniform thickness. This helps ensure that they cook evenly.
Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, use fresh breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
Add Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding your favorite herbs like Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: If your chicken needs a little more browning, broil it for a couple of minutes at the end of the baking time, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Variation
There are several ways to vary this recipe to suit your taste:
Add Spices: You can include different spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Stuffed Chicken: For a fancier version, consider stuffing the chicken breasts with sautéed spinach and ricotta cheese before coating them.
Different Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you can mix it up by using other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you should thaw them completely before cooking for even results. It’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I grill this chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! You can grill the coated chicken over medium heat until cooked through. Just be careful with the temperature to not burn the breadcrumbs.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
Enjoy making and savoring your homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that will satisfy everyone at the table!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A delightful dish featuring savory Parmesan cheese and juicy chicken, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute before serving.
Notes
For even cooking, pound the chicken to uniform thickness. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken, Parmesan crusted, easy dinner, main course, Italian