Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, baked to golden crisp perfection. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, this easy-to-make dish offers a delightful balance of crispy texture and tender meat, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Finishing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This mixture will help the coating adhere to the chicken breasts.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute all the seasonings evenly.
- Coat Chicken Breasts: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring both sides are coated completely. Then press each piece into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture firmly, making sure the coating sticks well to the chicken.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet and Add Oil: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush olive oil or melted butter over the tops of each to help crisp the crust and enhance flavor during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
- If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets to ensure even cooking.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
