In a world where you can choose between takeout and cooking at home, Parmesan crusted chicken reigns supreme as the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a crisp golden layer of cheesy goodness. The best part? This dish is so easy to whip up that even your kitchen-phobic friends will be inspired to give it a try.
Picture this: it’s a Friday night, and you’ve invited your pals over for a cozy dinner. You want something impressive yet simple to prepare—enter Parmesan crusted chicken! With its delightful crunch and savory flavors, this dish is bound to be the star of the show while leaving you enough time to enjoy a glass of wine (or two).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Parmesan crusted chicken is not only quick to prepare but bursting with flavor that everyone will adore
- Its golden-brown exterior adds visual appeal to your dinner table
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides, it’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion
- The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone drooling before they even take a bite
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. My dog even tried to sneak a piece when I turned my back!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 breasts for optimal cooking; you can adjust based on your crowd size.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and elevates the flavor dramatically; avoid pre-grated options.
- Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor; feel free to make your own for a personal touch.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley brightens the presentation and adds freshness; opt for fresh over dried.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding; one or two should suffice depending on how many breasts you’re coating.
- Garlic Powder: This adds depth and richness; use fresh garlic if you’re feeling fancy!
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these staples; seasoning is key to bringing out all those lovely flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly. This ensures an easy cleanup later.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this helps them brown nicely in the oven. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
Create the coating station: In one bowl, whisk together eggs until frothy. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder—this is where the magic happens.
Coat like a pro: Dip each breast first into the egg mixture then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Make sure every inch gets that crunchy goodness because nobody likes a naked piece of chicken!
Arrange on baking sheet: Place each coated breast onto your prepared baking sheet without overcrowding them; give them room to breathe and crisp up beautifully.
Bake until golden perfection: Slide your baking sheet into the oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—a perfect opportunity to sip some wine while you wait!
Let rest before serving: Allow your glorious creation to rest on the counter for five minutes before slicing into it—this helps lock in all those juicy flavors.
Enjoy every bite! Serve alongside roasted veggies or a fresh salad; trust me—it’s pure heaven on a plate.
Now you’re ready to impress friends and family alike with this delectable Parmesan crusted chicken recipe! It’s crispy on the outside and tender within—talk about winning hearts (and stomachs).
You Must Know
- This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser
- It combines crunchy textures with savory flavors, creating a dish that looks fabulous and tastes even better
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering, it’s sure to impress your guests and family alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown before transferring it to the oven for the perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add garlic powder for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also elevate this dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be juicy, not dry
- Letting it rest briefly before slicing improves juiciness
Cooking this Parmesan Crusted Chicken reminds me of family gatherings where my relatives would compete for the last piece—always a sign of a winning recipe!
FAQ
What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for balance.
Can I make Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and coat the chicken up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crispy, savory delight that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs; in another, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated chicken on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg