Description
When it comes to dinner time, we all face a familiar challenge—how do we get something delicious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen? Well, hold onto your spatulas, because Parmesan Crusted Chicken is here to save the day! This mouthwatering dish combines the comforting flavors of crispy, cheesy goodness with the ease of a weeknight meal. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that is sure to wow your family and friends!
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this culinary masterpiece to life:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or whatever you have on hand)
Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s break this down into easy-to-follow steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is essential for that perfect crispy coating! If you forget this step, you’ll find yourself waiting longer than anticipated for dinner. Trust me, I’ve been there.
- Prepare Your Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel (this helps the coating stick better). Then, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap, and give them a gentle pound with a meat mallet until they’re about half an inch thick. It’s a good stress reliever, too!
- Dredging Station Time: In one shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. In another dish, drizzle olive oil over your chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dunk each chicken breast into the olive oil, making sure it’s nice and coated. Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until everything is beautifully coated. Feel free to be generous with the crumbs—more crunch is always a good thing!
- Bake and Crisp: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping’s golden brown. When it’s time to flip them halfway through, just remember the old saying: “The more, the merrier”—that goes for crispiness!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting for that glorious plate of food! Slice it up and serve it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad to balance the richness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Panko: Regular breadcrumbs just don’t cut it! Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture that elevates the dish. Your kitchen will smell like heaven, and it’s a delightful crunch!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix things up! Add some cayenne pepper for a kick or fresh herbs like basil or thyme if you’re feeling fancy.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, because this dish is so good!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy!