Description
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful, crispy parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish combines garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese to create an irresistible crust that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2-3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs), cut into thin filets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive Oil Mixture
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Breading
- 1 heaping cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thinner filets for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix Olive Oil and Garlic: In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic. Stir well to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, evenly mixing all ingredients together.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken filet first into the olive oil and garlic mixture, then press both sides firmly into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture so the coating adheres well. Place the coated chicken filets onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove the baking sheet carefully, flip the chicken filets over, then return to the oven and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a serving platter for a few minutes to retain moisture before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F internally.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free alternatives if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
