Parmesan Crusted Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Each serving of Parmesan Crusted Chicken has about 350 calories. It contains around 25 grams of protein, which helps build strong muscles. The dish has about 22 grams of fat, mostly from the olive oil and cheese. It provides a good dose of calcium from the Parmesan, which is great for your bones. If you want to lower carbs, skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour. Always check with your doctor for specific dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the chicken evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleaning up much easier later. Next, grab a shallow bowl. In it, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until everything blends together nicely. This mixture will give the chicken its tasty crust. Now, take two large eggs and crack them into another bowl. Whisk them together. If you want extra flavor, add Dijon mustard to the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture first. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken. After searing, transfer the chicken to your prepared baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done. This ensures it’s safe to eat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular ones. Mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and spices. Press the mixture onto the chicken firmly. This helps it stick and forms a great crust. Searing the chicken in hot olive oil makes a big difference too. It locks in juices and adds color. For this recipe, you need a few simple tools. A shallow bowl works well for the egg mixture. Use another bowl for mixing the cheese and breadcrumbs. A skillet is essential for searing the chicken. Finally, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. These tools help you work faster and keep your kitchen tidy. Marinades can add great flavor to your chicken. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic is perfect. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra taste. Always remember, a good seasoning balance makes your Parmesan crust even better. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and high-quality Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more aromatic and delicious. Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, after the first coating of breadcrumbs, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and coat it again in the breadcrumbs. Resting Time is Key: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Serve with a Sauce: Consider serving the chicken with a marinara or garlic butter sauce on the side for an added layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for a fun twist. Try using mozzarella for that gooey stretch. Or use cheddar for a sharper taste. If you want something bolder, blue cheese adds a nice zing. Each cheese gives a unique flavor and texture to the chicken. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also crush rice crackers or cornflakes for a crunchy coating. These options work well and keep the dish tasty. Make sure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free too, as some brands may add fillers. You can boost nutrition by adding veggies. Try slicing zucchini or bell peppers to bake alongside the chicken. This adds color and flavor. You can also mix in spinach into the breadcrumb coating. It gives a nice touch and makes the meal more balanced. To store leftover Parmesan crusted chicken, let it cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, proper storage is key. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking often. This method is fast but may make the coating less crispy. If you want to save the chicken for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before using the oven method. This way, you can enjoy your delicious chicken anytime! Parmesan Crusted Chicken takes about 35 minutes to cook. You’ll spend 15 minutes prepping and 20 minutes baking. The key is to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F inside. Cooking time may vary based on your oven. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender, which adds great flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Many sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Caesar salad - Steamed broccoli - Rice pilaf These sides add color and balance to your meal. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge. This makes meal prep easy and quick! You’ve learned the key ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken, along with detailed steps to prepare it. I shared tips for perfect crispiness and fun variations to suit your taste. Remember, storing leftovers correctly keeps your dish fresh. This meal is not just tasty; it’s versatile and easy to make. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with family and friends. Each bite will make your effort worth it!$

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Delight

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and add the Dijon mustard if using, mixing until smooth.
Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Next, coat the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well to the chicken.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve on a wooden cutting board with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, Parmesan