Imagine biting into a succulent chicken fillet with a golden, crispy outer layer that bursts with flavors of parmesan cheese and subtle spices. This isn’t just dream food; this is baked parmesan crusted chicken at its finest! Perfect for family dinners or a sophisticated dinner party, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Step By Step
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and allows your chicken to bake to crispy perfection. While the oven is warming up, gather all your ingredients and tools. A little prep now goes a long way in creating a smooth cooking process later.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to ensure an even spread of flavors when you coat the chicken breasts. The combination of cheese and spices will create the aromatic and tasty crust everyone loves.
Step 3: Ready the Chicken Breasts
Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better. Once dry, lightly coat each breast in flour, allowing any excess to fall away. This step is crucial for ensuring that the coating adheres during the baking process.
Step 4: Dip and Coat
Dip each floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs and then into the parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. Use clean hands or tongs to press the mixture onto the chicken firmly. This guarantees that the breadcrumb layer remains intact and crispy after baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Drizzle olive oil over a baking sheet and place the coated chicken breasts onto it, ensuring they are not touching. A small coating of oil can also go on top to help brown the crust. This baking tray alignment allows the heat to circulate freely and cook the chicken evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure food safety.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Serve your freshly baked parmesan crusted chicken hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or a buttery mash for a scrumptious meal. The dish also complements a variety of sauces, such as marinara or a creamy garlic dressing, for added flavor.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To keep the breadcrumbs from falling off, make sure your chicken is not dripping wet before coating. If you love extra crispiness, consider double breading by repeating the dipping process once more. For added flavor, try mixing some fresh herbs like minced parsley into the breadcrumb mixture.
Protein Packed Paradise: The High-Protein Version
For all the fitness enthusiasts and protein seekers, this high-protein version of our beloved parmesan crusted chicken is a dream come true. Simply increase the ratio of parmesan cheese to breadcrumbs making it a protein powerhouse. Replace breadcrumbs with a blend of almond meal and ground flaxseeds to amp up the protein content without compromising on the crispiness.
This twist not only boosts the protein content but also introduces a delightful nutty flavor that works wonders with this chicken recipe. Who says you can’t have both health and taste on your plate at the same time?
Low Carb Love: Your New Favorite Variation
If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, fear not! With just a few simple swaps, baked parmesan crusted chicken can fit right into your meal plan. Replace the traditional breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or a mixture of parmesan cheese and almond flour, which significantly reduces carbs.
This version not only keeps your carb count in check but retains all the savory flavors you love. You can also pair it with cheesy cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad to keep it low-carb and delicious.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to regain its crispy texture. For longer storage, freeze the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
FAQs
- Can I make this chicken recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the coated chicken breasts ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet covered with cling film, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a juicier alternative and hold up well to baking. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer.
- What can I use instead of parmesan?
If you’re out of parmesan, pecorino romano is a great substitute that adds similar sharp and savory notes.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Opt for a gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, such as almond flour or gluten-free panko, to keep the dish free from gluten.
Share Your Thoughts on Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
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Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- grated parmesan cheese
- breadcrumbs
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- salt
- black pepper
- eggs
- all-purpose flour
- olive oil
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat them lightly with flour.
- Dip the floured chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the prepared chicken on an oiled baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.