Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Looking for a scrumptious dinner idea that combines simplicity with gourmet flair? Look no further than this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and a total cook time of 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining guests. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, you’ll need:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and 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

Directions

Follow these steps to achieve perfectly crusted chicken:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third. This will help in achieving a crispy crust on your chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Season: Season both sides of each chicken piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse them with flavors right from the start.
4. Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three bowls for dredging and coating:
   • Bowl 1: Flour for the initial coat.
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
   • Bowl 3: A mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning for the final, crunchy layer.
5. Cook on Stovetop: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Bake: After browning the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and cook the rest of the chicken. Then, place all the chicken pieces back in the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare but also yields a dish that’s impressively flavorful and satisfying. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, savory Parmesan, and aromatic seasonings ensures every bite is as delicious as the last. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weekday or hosting friends over the weekend, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your cooking and the delightful meal!