Are you craving crispy, cheesy goodness that’s quick to make? You’re in the right place! This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe uses simple ingredients and takes just 30 minutes from prep to plate. With tender chicken coated in a crunchy, savory crust, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Coatings
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
– Salt and pepper to taste
Binding Agents
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Using these simple ingredients, you create a dish that is both tasty and easy. The chicken stays juicy while the coating gives a satisfying crunch. Each ingredient plays a key role. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty taste. The panko breadcrumbs ensure a crispy texture. Garlic powder and Italian herbs bring delightful flavors to every bite.
The eggs and Dijon mustard act as binding agents. They help the coating stick to the chicken. This keeps it from falling off during cooking. Salt and pepper add basic seasoning that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
This recipe is flexible too. Feel free to swap out seasonings to match your taste. You can also explore different cheese blends or breadcrumbs. For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Making the Egg Mixture
– In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until smooth.
Preparing the Coating Mixture
– In a separate bowl, combine:
– 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste.
Mix these well.
Coating the Chicken
– Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure it is fully coated.
– Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help it stick well.
Baking the Chicken
– Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet in a single layer.
– Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This helps get a crispy crust.
– Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when juices run clear and the crust is golden brown.
Final Touches
– After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving a Crispy Crust
To get the perfect crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. Here are some tips to maximize that crunch:
– Mix the panko with finely grated Parmesan cheese.
– Add a bit of olive oil to the breadcrumb mix. This helps it crisp up in the oven.
– Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. This ensures they stick well during baking.
Ensuring Juicy Chicken
You want your chicken to be juicy and tender. Here’s how to achieve that:
– Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
– Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part. The juices should run clear.
– If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Flavor Enhancements
To kick up the flavor, consider adding herbs or spices. Here are some ideas:
– Mix in dried rosemary or thyme with your breadcrumbs.
– Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
– For a fresh taste, sprinkle lemon zest on top before serving.
These simple tips will help you master Parmesan crusted chicken every time. For the full recipe, check the link included in this article. Enjoy your cooking!
Variations
Different Cheeses to Use
You can switch up the cheese for new flavors. Mozzarella melts well and adds creaminess. Cheddar gives a sharp taste that many love. You might also try gouda for a smoky twist. The options are endless, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite!
Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you need a gluten-free option, don’t worry! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Look for brands that offer a good crunch. Almond flour is another great option. It adds a nice nutty flavor and still keeps the chicken crispy.
Flavor Infusions
Want to change the flavor of your chicken? Add lemon zest to the egg mixture for a bright touch. You can also mix in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the taste too. Experiment and find the flavor you love most!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Parmesan crusted chicken fresh, refrigerate leftovers. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and prevents drying out. Make sure to store it within two hours of cooking.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze Parmesan crusted chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy.
Shelf Life
Cooked Parmesan crusted chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or color change. If you notice anything off, it’s best to toss it out. Enjoy your meal safely!
FAQs
How do I know when Parmesan Crusted Chicken is fully cooked?
To check if your chicken is done, look for clear juices. You can also use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. If you slice into the chicken, the meat should be white, not pink. This means the chicken is cooked perfectly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Thighs have a richer flavor and stay moist. However, they may take longer to cook. Bake them for about 30-35 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). Adjust your time based on thickness.
What sides pair well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Parmesan Crusted Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Steamed broccoli
– Roasted carrots
– Mixed green salad
– Garlic mashed potatoes
– Quinoa with herbs
These sides complement the chicken’s flavor and create a balanced meal.
Is Parmesan Crusted Chicken healthy?
Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be part of a healthy diet. It has protein from chicken and calcium from cheese. To make it healthier, try these tips:
– Use less cheese or a low-fat version.
– Swap panko for whole grain breadcrumbs.
– Serve with lots of veggies.
This way, you keep the taste while making it lighter.
Full Recipe
For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. It has all the steps, tips, and details you need to create this delicious dish!
In this guide, we covered how to create delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken. We explored key ingredients like chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. I shared step-by-step instructions for making a crispy crust and tips for juicy meat. You learned about flavor variations and storage methods too.
Now, with these insights, you can prepare a tasty meal that delights. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with different flavors to make this dish your own!
![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Using these simple ingredients, you create a dish that is both tasty and easy. The chicken stays juicy while the coating gives a satisfying crunch. Each ingredient plays a key role. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty taste. The panko breadcrumbs ensure a crispy texture. Garlic powder and Italian herbs bring delightful flavors to every bite. The eggs and Dijon mustard act as binding agents. They help the coating stick to the chicken. This keeps it from falling off during cooking. Salt and pepper add basic seasoning that enhances the dish without overpowering it. This recipe is flexible too. Feel free to swap out seasonings to match your taste. You can also explore different cheese blends or breadcrumbs. For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. - In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until smooth. - In a separate bowl, combine: - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste. Mix these well. - Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure it is fully coated. - Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help it stick well. - Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet in a single layer. - Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This helps get a crispy crust. - Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when juices run clear and the crust is golden brown. - After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken! To get the perfect crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. Here are some tips to maximize that crunch: - Mix the panko with finely grated Parmesan cheese. - Add a bit of olive oil to the breadcrumb mix. This helps it crisp up in the oven. - Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. This ensures they stick well during baking. You want your chicken to be juicy and tender. Here’s how to achieve that: - Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. - Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part. The juices should run clear. - If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. To kick up the flavor, consider adding herbs or spices. Here are some ideas: - Mix in dried rosemary or thyme with your breadcrumbs. - Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. - For a fresh taste, sprinkle lemon zest on top before serving. These simple tips will help you master Parmesan crusted chicken every time. For the full recipe, check the link included in this article. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese for new flavors. Mozzarella melts well and adds creaminess. Cheddar gives a sharp taste that many love. You might also try gouda for a smoky twist. The options are endless, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite! If you need a gluten-free option, don't worry! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Look for brands that offer a good crunch. Almond flour is another great option. It adds a nice nutty flavor and still keeps the chicken crispy. Want to change the flavor of your chicken? Add lemon zest to the egg mixture for a bright touch. You can also mix in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the taste too. Experiment and find the flavor you love most! To keep your Parmesan crusted chicken fresh, refrigerate leftovers. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and prevents drying out. Make sure to store it within two hours of cooking. To freeze Parmesan crusted chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy. Cooked Parmesan crusted chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or color change. If you notice anything off, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your meal safely! To check if your chicken is done, look for clear juices. You can also use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. If you slice into the chicken, the meat should be white, not pink. This means the chicken is cooked perfectly. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Thighs have a richer flavor and stay moist. However, they may take longer to cook. Bake them for about 30-35 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). Adjust your time based on thickness. Parmesan Crusted Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted carrots - Mixed green salad - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa with herbs These sides complement the chicken's flavor and create a balanced meal. Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be part of a healthy diet. It has protein from chicken and calcium from cheese. To make it healthier, try these tips: - Use less cheese or a low-fat version. - Swap panko for whole grain breadcrumbs. - Serve with lots of veggies. This way, you keep the taste while making it lighter. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. It has all the steps, tips, and details you need to create this delicious dish! In this guide, we covered how to create delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken. We explored key ingredients like chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. I shared step-by-step instructions for making a crispy crust and tips for juicy meat. You learned about flavor variations and storage methods too. Now, with these insights, you can prepare a tasty meal that delights. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with different flavors to make this dish your own!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/495981b9-867a-4f26-936f-f0c50c40e269-300x300.webp)