Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$To make Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a meal that is both simple and tasty. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They are lean and easy to cook. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor. Breadcrumbs create a crunchy crust when baked. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add an extra kick. Use fresh eggs to help the coating stick well. Dijon mustard adds a nice depth of flavor. Finally, olive oil ensures a golden-brown finish. The chopped parsley is the perfect garnish. It adds color and a fresh touch. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a crispy crust. While the oven heats, get your baking sheet ready. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well. This blend adds flavor and crunch to the chicken. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure everything is evenly mixed. In another bowl, whisk together two large eggs and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. It also adds a nice flavor to the crust. Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, coat the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. This step is important for getting that crunchy crust. Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each piece. This helps with browning and adds flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and look golden brown. Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste that balances the rich flavors of the chicken. For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. You can also use thighs for more flavor. Just remember, thighs take a bit longer to bake. Always look for fresh chicken that feels firm. If frozen, thaw it completely before cooking. I love using panko breadcrumbs for this dish. They make the crust light and crispy. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work too. You can even make your own by grinding stale bread. Just toast it lightly first. The key is to have a nice crunch. While the base seasonings are great, feel free to get creative. Adding a pinch of paprika gives a nice kick. A bit of onion powder can add depth. You could also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for heat. Don’t shy away from mixing herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor. To achieve that golden, crispy crust, make sure to press the crumbs well onto the chicken. A drizzle of olive oil on top helps with browning. Bake at the right temperature, 400°F (200°C), for best results. If you want an extra crunch, broil for the last few minutes of baking. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. Pro Tips Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged options. Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier crust, dip the chicken in the egg mixture and then back into the breadcrumb mixture before baking. Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch to the flavor profile. {{image_2}} Want to add heat? Use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Just mix one teaspoon into the breadcrumb mix. It gives the chicken a nice kick. You can also marinate the chicken in hot sauce before coating. This adds flavor and spice right to the meat. For a fresh taste, add herbs to the breadcrumb mix. Try mixing in one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil or thyme. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available. This gives the chicken a fragrant aroma and a burst of flavor with each bite. If you need a gluten-free dish, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Almond flour works well, too. Just remember to check the labels for hidden gluten. You can still enjoy the crispy crust without the gluten, and the taste remains delicious. You can store leftover Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the fridge. Make sure to cool it first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just take it out of the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing works well. Wrap each piece of chicken in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you're short on time. Just heat for 1-2 minutes. Check to make sure it's hot all the way through. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. It should reach 165°F inside. Check the crust; it should be golden brown. The time may change based on your oven. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Try mozzarella or cheddar for a twist. Each cheese gives its own flavor and texture. Just make sure it melts well. Yes, this recipe works great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it. Cook the chicken, let it cool, and place it in containers. It stays good in the fridge for up to four days. Serve this chicken with many sides. Some good options are: - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa - A fresh salad - Mashed potatoes These sides balance the meal and add color to your plate. This guide covered the essential steps for making Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken. We discussed key ingredients like chicken breasts and Parmesan cheese, plus tips for a great crust. You learned how to prepare, bake, and serve your chicken perfectly. Remember to explore fun variations, like spicy or gluten-free options. Storing and reheating tips will help keep leftovers tasty. You now have the tools to create a delicious meal anytime. Enjoy getting creative with your cooking!$

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste none Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to adhere the crumbs.
Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each piece to enhance browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.

Keyword baked, chicken, crusted, Parmesan