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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil When making Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you want to start with the right ingredients. The chicken serves as the main star. Choose four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, you need cheese. Grated Parmesan adds a rich and nutty flavor. It forms a crispy layer that contrasts with the tender chicken. The panko bread crumbs create that desired crunch. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, adding to the crisp factor. Seasoning is key. Garlic powder gives a nice punch. Paprika adds warmth and a bit of color. Dried Italian herbs, like oregano and basil, enhance the dish’s flavor profile. Salt and pepper round out the taste. To bind everything together, you’ll need eggs and olive oil. The eggs coat the chicken, helping the cheese and crumbs stick. Olive oil keeps the crust crisp as it bakes. Gathering these ingredients sets you up for a tasty meal. You can easily customize them to suit your taste. 1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will help make the chicken crispy. 2. Prepare the baking sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 3. Combine Parmesan and bread crumb mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is even. 1. Whisk the egg mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil. Make sure it looks smooth and blended. 2. Dredge chicken in egg and breadcrumb mixtures: Take each chicken breast and dip it in the egg mixture. Make sure it gets coated well. Next, dredge it in the Parmesan mixture. Press lightly so it sticks well. 1. Arrange chicken on the baking sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each piece. 2. Bake and check for doneness: Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and have a golden, crispy crust. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). To get that perfect crunch, olive oil is key. It helps the coating turn golden and crisp. Drizzle a bit on top before baking for that extra crispiness. Panko is the best choice over regular breadcrumbs. Panko gives a lighter and airier texture, making the crust more enjoyable. You can boost the flavor with extra seasonings. Try adding some onion powder or red pepper flakes for a kick. Marinating the chicken in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an hour will add great taste. This step is simple and makes a big difference. Pair your Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. A fresh salad also works well. For a nice touch, serve the chicken on a wooden platter. Add lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. It looks great and enhances the meal. {{image_2}} For a lighter dish, you can make some easy swaps. - Gluten-free substitutions: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. This option works well and still gives a nice crunch. - Reducing cheese and oil: Cut down on the Parmesan cheese to half a cup. You can also use less olive oil. This change still keeps flavor but reduces fat. Mixing up the herbs and spices can take this dish to new levels. - Adding different herbs and spices: Try adding fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch. Smoked paprika gives a nice twist too. You can even add a pinch of cayenne for heat. - Different cheese options: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor. You can also change how you cook the chicken for different results. - Air frying for a quicker option: Air fry the chicken at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. This method gives you a crispy crust with less oil. - Grilling for a smoky flavor: Grill the chicken on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. This gives a nice char and smoky taste. These variations let you enjoy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken in new ways, keeping meals exciting and healthy! To keep your Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the chicken in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). This helps maintain its flavor and texture for up to three days. You can reheat the chicken in the oven or a microwave. For the oven, place it on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crispy. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can make the chicken dry. To maintain crispiness, consider using a toaster oven. This keeps the outside crunchy while warming the inside. Spraying a little oil on the crust before reheating can also help. If you want to freeze cooked chicken, let it cool first. Then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. The chicken will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and helps it stay juicy. After thawing, you can reheat it using the methods mentioned above. The best temperature for baking chicken is 400°F (200°C). This heat cooks the chicken well and gives it a crispy crust. When the oven is hot, the cheese and bread crumbs brown nicely. This creates a tasty outer layer that contrasts with juicy chicken inside. You should bake Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. The cooking time depends on how thick the chicken breasts are. Thinner pieces cook faster, while thicker ones may need more time. Always check that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko works better. Panko is coarser and lighter. It gives a crunchier texture. Regular breadcrumbs can make the crust denser. If you want a crispier finish, stick with panko. This blog covered everything you need for baked Parmesan crusted chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, like chicken breasts, cheese, and breadcrumbs. You learned how to prepare, coat, and bake the chicken for a crisp texture. I shared tips for flavor and variations to suit your taste. Lastly, I included storage methods for leftovers. With this information, you can create a delicious meal your family will love. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with different flavors in your kitchen!

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Indulge in the flavors of Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, a deliciously crispy dish that's easy to make! With tender chicken breasts coated in a blend of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian herbs, this meal is perfect for dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple recipe.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko bread crumbs

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

      In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil until smooth.

        Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated, and then dredge it in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

          Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray the tops with cooking oil for added crispiness.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

              Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.

                Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a wooden platter with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.