Look no further than this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. This dish is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a visual delight that promises to impress at any meal. With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet meal in the comfort of your home, making it perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner and a special weekend feast. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delightful dish to your table.
Ingredients:
To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with taste and texture. The key to the crispy crust is the combination of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which creates a golden layer of deliciousness around the chicken.
Directions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and positioning the rack in the top third of the oven. This ensures your chicken gets a nice, crispy crust without overcooking.
2. Prep the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. This not only helps the chicken cook faster but also ensures each piece is wonderfully tender. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredging Station
Set up your dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This trio is your ticket to that irresistible crust.
4. Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once hot, coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip in the egg, and then generously coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Cook 2 pieces at a time for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then repeat with the remaining oil and chicken.
5. Bake to Perfection
After searing, arrange all 4 pieces of chicken in the skillet and bake in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This final step ensures your chicken is cooked through while keeping the crust perfectly crispy.
Serve and Enjoy!
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is best served hot, right out of the oven. Whether you’re pairing it with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite pasta, it’s sure to be a hit. The exterior is delightfully crunchy, while the inside remains moist and flavorful, making every bite a delicious harmony of textures and tastes.
Conclusion
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a testament to the fact that gourmet-quality meals don’t have to take hours to prepare. It’s a dish that promises to deliver on flavor, texture, and presentation, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week. Give it a try and watch as it becomes a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
What’s great about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as is for a satisfying main course, or slice it up and add it to salads, pasta, or sandwiches for a flavorful protein boost. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position the rack in the top third of the oven.
Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle it with garlic powder and some salt & pepper on both sides.
Prepare 3 bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko, parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Let the pan heat up while you work on the chicken.
Coat the chicken pieces in flour, then dip each piece in the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture (shake off any excess at each step).
Add 2 of the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for around 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and for the second batch, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Once all the chicken is fried, arrange all 4 pieces in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 5 minutes or until cooked through (chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F).
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes