Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast: 30-Min Dinner

Oh, you are in for a treat! There’s just something magical about a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breast, isn’t there? And when it’s coated in salty Parmesan cheese? Pure dinner heaven! I’ve made my fair share of chicken dishes over the years, but this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast recipe is a total go-to in my kitchen. It’s honestly the easiest way to get that restaurant-quality crunch and amazing flavor without all the fuss. Seriously, weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting because of this gem!

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast

Seriously, you can have this on the table in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights! Plus, no fancy techniques here, just a simple dip, press, and cook. Even beginner cooks will nail this one! That crispy Parmesan coating with a hint of garlic is just *chef’s kiss*, with that savory, cheesy goodness everyone loves. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both picky eaters and grown-ups will devour. Serve it with pasta or a salad, and you’re golden. Forget soggy chicken – this method gives you that satisfying crunch every single bite!

Ingredients for Easy Parmesan Chicken Breast

Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this amazing dish! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses super basic stuff you probably already have in your pantry. Trust me, simple ingredients make for the best flavor! Grab these:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I like to use the bigger ones, and we’ll slice them up to make them cook faster!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Gotta have that savory cheesy goodness!
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – Panko works great for extra crunch, but regular fine breadcrumbs are totally fine too.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To bring out all those yummy flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Just a little zing!
• 1 large egg, beaten – This is our glue to make that crust stick!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing and getting that golden color.

This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re looking for something easy and delicious. For more awesome chicken breast ideas, check out these boneless chicken breast recipes!

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this incredibly yummy chicken! It really is as easy as it sounds, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can turn simple chicken breasts into something spectacular. Trust me, this method guarantees that gorgeous golden crust and juicy chicken every time. If you’re looking for more super simple chicken recipes, you HAVE to peek at these crockpot chicken breast recipes!

Prepping the Chicken for Parmesan Coating

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. Take those chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice them in half horizontally. This makes them thinner, which means they cook way more evenly and quickly. Nobody likes a dry chicken breast! Then, just set up your little coating station: one bowl with that beaten egg, and another shallow dish with our amazing Parmesan and breadcrumb mix. Easy peasy!

Creating the Parmesan Crust

Now for the fun part – getting that crust on! Grab one of your chicken cutlets and dip it all over into that beaten egg. Make sure it’s completely covered. Then, lift it out, let any excess drip off for a second, and then carefully place it into your Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently on both sides so that the coating really sticks. You want a nice, even layer all over. Repeat this for all your chicken pieces, and lay them out on a plate or tray.

Searing and Baking Your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast

This is where the magic really starts to happen with the flavor! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready. Now, grab an oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron one is awesome here!) and pop in your olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully lay your crusted chicken cutlets into the hot skillet – they should sizzle right away! Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they get a beautiful golden-brown color. Then, and this is the cool part, you just transfer that whole skillet right into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re cooked through and a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Resting and Serving

Once they’re out of the oven, resist the urge to cut into them immediately! Let them rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. This is super important because it lets all those juicy flavors settle back into the chicken. After resting, just slide them onto your plates. They’re practically begging to be served with your favorite sides!

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Parmesan Chicken

Alright, let’s talk about making this Parmesan chicken absolutely perfect every single time! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. First off, make sure your oven is fully preheated. No skimping there! A hot oven is key for that crispy coating. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re searing or baking. If the chicken cutlets are too close, they’ll steam instead of getting that lovely crispiness. Give them some breathing room! And for that super-duper golden crust? Mix a little Panko breadcrumb with your regular breadcrumbs and Parmesan; it’s my little secret for extra crunch. Check out more amazing dinner ideas here!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec. If you’re out of regular breadcrumbs, no worries! Panko breadcrumbs are an absolute dream here for extra crispy results, but even crushed up cornflakes can work in a pinch. As for the Parmesan, freshly grated is always best for flavor and meltiness, but the pre-grated stuff in the shaker can work if that’s all you have. Just give it a good shake! You can totally swap the olive oil for another neutral oil like avocado or canola if that’s what’s in your pantry. Easy swaps make this recipe so flexible!

Serving Suggestions for Your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

This crispy Parmesan chicken is so versatile, it really goes with almost anything! For a hearty meal, I love serving it with a side of creamy squash casserole – the flavors are just divine together. If you’re looking for something lighter, a big bowl of fresh Caesar salad is an absolute winner. And of course, you can never go wrong with some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus, or even a simple bowl of pasta!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Parmesan chicken is still amazing the next day. Once it’s cooled down, pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for about 3-4 days. To reheat, your oven or toaster oven is your best friend for keeping it crispy. Pop it in at around 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. A microwave will make it a little softer, but it’s still delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Got questions about this amazing chicken? I’ve got answers! Here are some things folks often ask:

Can I make this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast ahead of time?

You can totally bread the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge before cooking! For leftovers, store cooked chicken in an airtight container. Just know it might lose a bit of its crispiness.

What is the best way to get a crispy coating on the chicken?

Make sure your oven is hot, don’t overcrowd the pan, and use Panko breadcrumbs if you can! Searing it first also helps lock in that delicious crispiness before it hits the oven.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are super forgiving and stay moist. You might just need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure they’re cooked through completely.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk about the good stuff! While everyone’s ingredients can vary a little, I’ve put together an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast. Typically, one serving comes in around 350 calories. You’re looking at about 18g of fat, with 5g being saturated, 15g of carbs, and a super satisfying 30g of protein. Remember, these numbers are just a rough guide, and they can change depending on exactly what you use and how big your portions are!

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