Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Easy, Moist, & Delicious

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! Discover this incredibly simple recipe for crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken that promises perfectly moist chicken breasts with a golden, flavorful crust. It is a fantastic solution for busy families and an effortless way to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your dinner routine with this delicious and easy dish.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe for baked parmesan crusted chicken will quickly become a go-to for many reasons:

• Unbelievably Crispy: Achieve golden perfection and an irresistible crunch directly from your oven.
• Consistently Moist: Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken breasts with our simple technique.
• Quick & Easy: Enjoy minimal prep time and a fast cooking duration, perfect for hectic evenings.
• Kid-Friendly: Its savory flavor and satisfying texture make this a surefire hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these basic pantry staples on hand already.
• Versatile Pairings: This delicious chicken complements a wide array of side dishes, from vegetables to pasta.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ⅔ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
• Fresh chopped parsley or basil (to taste, optional, for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These are essential for the ultimate crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs will not achieve the same airy crunch for this baked parmesan chicken. For a truly airy and crisp texture, understanding the unique structure of panko breadcrumbs is key.
• Grated Parmesan: Use finely grated parmesan, not shredded. Finely grated cheese melts and adheres better, forming the perfect crust.
• Chicken Breasts: Butterfly or pound your chicken breasts thin. This ensures even cooking and a tender, juicy result for your parmesan crusted chicken.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil brightens the flavor and adds a beautiful touch when garnishing. Feel free to use dried herbs in the breading mixture if fresh are unavailable.
• Butter vs. Oil: The combination of melted butter and olive oil enhances both crispiness and flavor, creating a rich base for the coating. Do not skip the butter for the best result.
• Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your personal taste preference. A pinch of onion powder also makes a nice addition.

Equipment

You will need just a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken:

• Shallow bowls (2)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk or fork
• Chef’s knife
• Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken)
• Instant-read thermometer

How To Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Follow these easy steps to prepare your perfect baked parmesan crusted chicken:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Melt Butter Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the butter, olive oil, and garlic powder. Microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted. Whisk with a fork until the mixture is very smooth and well combined. This forms the base for your flavorful crispy chicken.
3. Mix Breadcrumb Coating: In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground pepper. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create an even coating for your baked parmesan crusted chicken.
4. Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts. Place one chicken breast onto a cutting board. Using a large chef’s knife, carefully slice the chicken horizontally through the center, opening it up like a book. Then slice all the way through to create two thinner chicken breast pieces or cutlets. Repeat with the remaining chicken. This step is crucial for even cooking and tender results for the parmesan crusted chicken cutlets.
5. Dredge Chicken: Take one prepared chicken cutlet and dredge it through the melted butter mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Lift the chicken, allowing any excess butter to drip off, then transfer it to the parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating firmly onto both sides of the chicken to ensure maximum adhesion. Repeat this process with all remaining chicken pieces.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken cutlets onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
7. Flip and Finish: After flipping, continue baking until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. This ensures your oven-baked chicken parmesan style is safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
8. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the baked parmesan crusted chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve these crispy, cheesy chicken cutlets right away and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Even Thickness: Pounding or butterflying your chicken to an even thickness is crucial. This ensures uniform cooking, preventing dry spots and promoting an all-over crispy crust for your parmesan chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Always leave space between chicken pieces on the baking sheet. Overcrowding traps steam, which leads to soggy breading instead of a crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety and perfectly cooked, moist chicken every time. The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines for cooking poultry safely.
• Crispy Crust Secrets: The combination of melted butter as a binder and panko breadcrumbs is key for maximum crunch. Butter provides fat for browning, while panko’s flaky texture creates an airy, crisp exterior.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Thin cutlets cook quickly and evenly. Paired with correct cooking time, this method helps prevent your chicken from drying out, resulting in consistently juicy baked chicken with parmesan.
• Flavor Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a delightful zest to your cheesy baked chicken.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Serving Suggestions

• Serve your crispy chicken with parmesan with simple steamed rice or fluffy quinoa for a balanced meal.
• Pair it with your favorite air fryer vegetables, such as tender broccoli or crisp asparagus.
• Enjoy this dish alongside creamy risotto or a light pasta tossed in a simple marinara sauce.
• Top a fresh Italian salad or a vibrant Caprese salad with slices of this delicious chicken cutlet.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover baked parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, flash freeze cooked cutlets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat for Crispiness: For the best results and to maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Avoid Microwave: Reheating this chicken in the microwave will often result in a soggy crust, diminishing its appealing texture.

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: You can easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just trim them of excess fat and pound them lightly for even cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for a delightful spicy kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different dried or fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary in your breading for varied flavor profiles.
• Cheese Blends: Try other hard, grated cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique taste experience.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving (2 cutlets) of this flavorful baked parmesan crusted chicken:

This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQ

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. Just make sure to trim them and pound them slightly for more even cooking.
• Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters? Absolutely, it’s a family favorite! The crispy, cheesy crust and moist chicken are usually a big hit with children and adults alike, making this a great option for a kid-friendly dinner.
• Can I prepare this chicken ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken cutlets and dredge them in the butter and breadcrumb mixtures, then refrigerate them for up to a few hours before baking. This helps with meal prep!
• Why use butter instead of mayonnaise for the crust? Butter provides a richer flavor and helps the panko brown beautifully, resulting in a superior crispy crust compared to mayonnaise. It’s key for the best baked parmesan crusted chicken.
• How do I make the crust extra crispy? Using panko breadcrumbs, ensuring your chicken is thinly and evenly sliced, and baking at a high temperature (425°F) are the secrets to a super crispy crust.
• What temperature should the chicken be? Always cook the chicken until its internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part.

Conclusion

You now have all the tools to create a truly spectacular baked parmesan crusted chicken. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can yield incredibly delicious results. We encourage you to try this foolproof dish tonight and watch it become a new favorite in your cooking rotation. Share your feedback, savor the crispy, moist goodness, and enjoy a fantastic new weeknight staple!

Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Easy, Moist, & Delicious

This recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan and panko crust, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy and delicious meal that’s moist on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Shallow Bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Instant-read thermometer
• Microwave

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 c panko breadcrumbs
• ⅔ c grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into cutlets
• Chopped parsley or basil to taste, optional

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a shallow bowl, combine butter, olive oil, and garlic powder; microwave until butter melts, then whisk until smooth.
• In a second shallow bowl, whisk together panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally through the center to create two thinner pieces from each breast.
• Dip each chicken piece into the butter mixture, then coat thoroughly with the parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere, and place on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a photo tutorial on how to butterfly chicken, please see the link in the full recipe post. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 39gFat: 13gSodium: 650mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Keyword baked parmesan crusted chicken

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