Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that features tender chicken breasts topped with a crispy, cheesy coating. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting yet impressive.
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 your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and 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 ensure it sticks well.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust turns golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- For an extra golden crust, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Add a bit of Dijon mustard to the mayo mixture for a subtle tangy kick.
Storage
Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy, or use a microwave for a quicker option but expect a softer crust.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
While Parmesan provides a distinct flavor and crispiness, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar taste. Avoid softer cheeses as they won’t create the same crispy crust.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken with the coatings and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with a rich and savory flavor, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are coated with a creamy mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture, then topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to perfection for a delightful Italian-inspired meal.
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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Make the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Chicken: Spread the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture evenly over the tops of each chicken breast. Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the coated chicken, pressing lightly so it adheres to the surface.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the prepared chicken breasts on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy. For extra golden tops, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a garden salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor intensity.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Watch closely if broiling to avoid burning the crust.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider mixing a small amount of Dijon mustard into the mayonnaise layer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Baked Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal
