Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Parmesan Crusted Chicken! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to whip up, making it a total weeknight hero in my kitchen. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the crispy, golden crust of Parmesan cheese and herbs adds a delightful crunch that makes every bite feel special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how something so delicious can be so easy! I love serving it with a fresh side salad or some roasted veggies, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether I’m cooking for family or just treating myself to a comforting meal. Seriously, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 large chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the fresher, the better for that amazing flavor!)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (they add a wonderful herby touch)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (this helps the coating stick beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that delicious garlicky kick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a must for that classic taste)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but taste as you go!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is always best!)
How to Prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for achieving that golden crust we all love. While the oven warms up, we can get everything else ready!
Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Oh, the smell of the garlic and herbs coming together is just divine! Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended. This is what’s going to give your chicken that irresistible crunchy coating.
Beat the Eggs
In another bowl, crack those two large eggs and beat them until they’re nice and frothy. This egg wash is key for helping the coating stick to the chicken, so give it a good whisk! If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a pinch of salt to the eggs for some extra flavor.
Coat the Chicken
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Take each chicken breast and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the Parmesan mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating. Don’t be shy—really pack that coating on! Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Bake the Chicken
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the chicken bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it cooks. Look for that beautiful golden brown color and check that the chicken is cooked through (a meat thermometer should read 165°F/74°C). The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s for dinner!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the pounding: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to play around with the spices! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or more Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- For that extra crunch: If you like it super crispy, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Serve it right: Pair your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A squeeze of lemon on top brings a lovely zing!
- Leftover magic: This chicken is delicious cold in a salad or warmed up in a wrap—perfect for lunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of Parmesan cheese and herbs creates a mouthwatering crust that takes the chicken to the next level!
- Healthy Option: With lean chicken breasts and minimal added fat, it’s a guilt-free indulgence packed with protein.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you like it spicy or extra herby.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the chicken cold in salads or warm in sandwiches, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and measurements, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
So, not only is it tasty, but it’s also a nutritious option packed with protein! Enjoy every bite without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for this Parmesan Crusted Chicken if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just keep in mind that thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so check for doneness using a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the magic number!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free! Just swap out the Italian-style breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative, like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. They’ll give you a similar crunch without the gluten, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!
How can I store leftovers?
To store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken, simply let it cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating, and it’ll still taste great!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Parmesan Crusted Chicken is ready to shine, let’s talk about the perfect sides to serve alongside it! A fresh, crisp garden salad is always a fantastic choice—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette that cuts through the richness of the chicken. You can also roast some seasonal veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. And if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes or a light pasta tossed with garlic and olive oil would pair beautifully, too! Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal to a whole new level of deliciousness!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple and delicious dish featuring chicken breasts coated in Parmesan cheese and herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat with the cheese mixture.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with a side salad or vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- For extra crunch, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken