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Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a crispy, golden crust of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Infused with garlic and Italian herbs, this flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs well with a variety of sides and can be easily customized for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Crust Mixture

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Binding and Cooking

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for pan-frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks better. If the breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for uniform cooking.
  2. Mix the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  3. Set Up the Dipping Station: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth to create a sticky base for the breading to adhere to the chicken.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then press both sides firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, coating evenly for maximum crunch.
  5. Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat olive oil or melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the crust is golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes for a hands-off option.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken thoroughly to help the breading adhere and form a crisp crust.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and melting quality.
  • Avoid crowding the pan to prevent steaming and ensure even browning.
  • Pound chicken breasts to a consistent thickness (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking.
  • Preheat the pan so the oil is hot before adding chicken to seal in moisture and crisp the crust quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipe, Italian Chicken, Gluten-Free Chicken, Weeknight Dinner