Crispy Parmesan Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Olive oil spray - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When you gather your ingredients, quality matters. Use fresh chicken for the best texture. Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs create that perfect crunch. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. If you want to switch things up, here are some ideas: - Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste. - Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat. - Try gluten-free breadcrumbs for a similar texture. These swaps can keep your dish exciting while meeting different needs. Want to boost flavor? Here are some ideas: - Add paprika for a smoky kick. - Mix in dried basil or oregano for an herb boost. - A pinch of cayenne can bring heat. Experiment with spices you love. Customizing this dish can make it uniquely yours! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the sheet pan with parchment paper. Start by heating your oven. This step is key for a crispy finish. While the oven warms up, grab a large sheet pan. Line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. - Whisking eggs and Dijon mustard - Combining breadcrumb mixture In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs. Add the Dijon mustard and whisk them together. You want a smooth mix. In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well to blend the flavors. Now, take each chicken breast. Dip it in the egg mix. Make sure it gets fully coated. Let any extra egg drip back into the bowl. Then, move the chicken to the breadcrumb mix. Press down firmly on both sides. This helps the crumbs stick. Place each coated chicken breast on the sheet pan. Leave space between each piece. - Arranging chicken on the sheet pan - Using olive oil spray for crispiness - Baking until done Once all the chicken is on the pan, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. This step is important. It helps create a golden and crispy crust. Now, slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The breadcrumb topping should look golden and crispy. After baking, pull the pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and flavor. Enjoy your crispy masterpiece! To get that crispy crust, olive oil spray is key. It helps the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Without it, you may end up with a soggy coating. I always spray the tops of the chicken after coating them. This little step makes a big difference. For even cooking, space the chicken breasts apart on the sheet pan. This allows hot air to circulate. Also, flipping the chicken halfway through baking ensures that both sides get crispy. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan. This simple move helps all pieces cook evenly. Pair your Parmesan crusted chicken with roasted vegetables. They add color and nutrition to the plate. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. They roast well and complement the chicken's flavor. When serving, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This not only looks great but also enhances the taste. You can also serve a light salad on the side. A simple green salad works wonders to balance the meal. You can prepare the chicken in advance for busy nights. After coating the chicken, cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This saves time on cooking day. If you have leftovers, freezing is easy. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh parsley and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Customize Your Coating: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a unique twist. Ensure Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after baking to keep it juicy and enhance the flavor. {{image_4}} You can mix up the flavor by adding different cheeses. Try mozzarella or cheddar for a milder taste. For a stronger flavor, consider using aged Gouda or blue cheese. Each cheese offers a unique twist on the classic dish. You can also introduce spices to boost the taste. Add paprika for a little heat. Or try smoked paprika for a rich, deep flavor. You might even add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick. Experimenting with spices is a fun way to make this chicken your own. Roasting vegetables alongside the chicken can add color and nutrition. Best choices include broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. These veggies cook well and soak up the chicken's flavors. When cooking on a sheet pan, ensure the veggies are cut evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate as the chicken. Toss the vegetables in olive oil and seasonings before placing them on the pan. If you're looking for keto-friendly options, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish low in carbs while still offering a nice crunch. For a vegan version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower. Use plant-based cheese and breadcrumbs made from nuts. This gives you a tasty meal without animal products. To keep your leftover chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first. This helps avoid moisture build-up. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. They seal well and make it easy to see what’s inside. To reheat chicken, use an oven or toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want crispy skin, remove the foil in the last few minutes. This step helps maintain crispiness. In the fridge, your chicken lasts for about 3-4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Properly stored, it will last for up to 4 months in the freezer. Just remember to label your container with the date for easy tracking. Look for a few signs to know your chicken is done. First, the juices should run clear, not pink. Second, the outside should be golden brown and crispy. Most importantly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Yes, you can use skin-on chicken. It will add more flavor and fat, which can help keep the chicken moist. However, cooking time may vary. Skin-on chicken may take a bit longer to cook. Keep an eye on it and check the internal temperature to be sure. Many side dishes pair well with Parmesan crusted chicken. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots complement the dish nicely. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. A simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds balance and flavor. Yes, you can prep this recipe in advance. You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. If you want to store it longer, freeze the coated chicken. Before baking, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This way, it will be ready to cook when you are. This article covers a tasty Parmesan crusted chicken recipe, with tips for success. You learned about key ingredients, easy substitutions, and new flavor ideas. I shared step-by-step instructions and storage tips. To make this meal a hit, try different spices and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy creating a fun dish that your family will love. Cooking can be simple and rewarding!$

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Delight

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated with Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
as needed olive oil spray
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, prepare a large sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper to make cleanup effortless.
In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
In another shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly blended.
Take each chicken breast and immerse it in the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip back into the bowl.
Next, move the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to adhere the crumbs on both sides. Place each coated chicken breast on the previously prepared sheet pan, leaving space between each piece.
Once all the chicken breasts are arranged on the sheet pan, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. This step is essential for achieving a beautifully golden and crispy crust.
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes. Just before serving, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, Parmesan