Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful main dish featuring boneless chicken breasts coated in a golden Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special meal, offering a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior. It can be cooked either by baking or pan-frying, then garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash and Cooking
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: If you choose to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating the flavorful crust for the chicken.
- Beat the Egg: In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly; this will help the crust adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten egg, then thoroughly coat it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even crust.
- Cook the Chicken: For pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired