This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for an easy dinner. Coated with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, it offers a golden, crunchy crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. Serve it with a side of vegetables or salad for a balanced meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: A golden, crunchy crust paired with tender, juicy chicken.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Pairings: Goes great with vegetables, salads, or pasta for a complete meal.
Delicious Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers a crispy, golden crust with juicy, tender chicken inside, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Pair it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Panko for extra crispiness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To prevent sticking, either line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the breading mixture
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the egg wash
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and gives it extra moisture.
Coat the chicken
- by immersing each breast in the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely covered. Then press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres well to both sides of the chicken.
Bake the chicken
- Place the breaded chicken breasts on the baking sheet that you’ve prepared. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you prefer a darker crust, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
Rest and serve
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs give the dish a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: The egg and olive oil mixture ensures the breading sticks well to the chicken and adds moisture.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a darker, crispier crust, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, carrots, or zucchini for a healthy side.
- Fresh Salad: A Caesar or garden salad complements the crispy texture.
- Pasta or Rice: Add carbs like garlic butter noodles or lemon herb rice for a hearty meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain the crispiness.
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a side of pasta, or a fresh Caesar salad. You can also serve it with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of freshness.
