Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (6 ounce pieces); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded (not granulated); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

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Introduction

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful weeknight dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy crust. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a great option for a satisfying family dinner that feels a little special.

A close-up view of a fork holding a thick slice of golden-brown breaded chicken with a crunchy texture on the outside. Inside the chicken is white and juicy, with small green herbs visible in the meat. Golden melted cheese is stretching from the chicken slice back to the main piece below. The background shows blurred white noodles with some red and green vegetable bits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (6-ounce pieces)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (not granulated)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper, then rub the olive oil over them to coat thoroughly.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs until combined.

Step 4: Press each chicken breast firmly into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered on all sides.
Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts into a baking pan in a single layer.
Step 6: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, carefully flipping the chicken over halfway through cooking using a spatula to crisp both sides evenly.

Tips & Variations

If using standard breadcrumbs or granulated Parmesan (the kind with the green lid), dredge the chicken in one large beaten egg before coating to help the breading stick better.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftover Parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to retain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

The series of images show the step-by-step preparation of breaded chicken breasts. The first layer in a clear glass bowl is dry panko breadcrumbs, light yellow in color with a coarse texture, being poured into the bowl against a white marbled surface. The second layer shows the plain chicken breasts, smooth and light pink, placed next into the bowl. The third layer adds black pepper and white salt sprinkled over the chicken, giving a speckled look. Next, a golden liquid, likely olive oil, is poured over the seasoned chicken, creating a shiny wet surface. Then, a woman's hand holds one chicken breast coated in breadcrumbs, pressing it into the bowl filled with breadcrumbs. The raw chicken breasts are shown fully covered in the light yellow breadcrumbs and laid out separately on a metal baking tray. Finally, the baked breaded chicken breasts are golden brown and crisp with slightly darkened spots, sitting on the baking tray with some browned crumbs scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to flip the chicken during baking?

Flipping the chicken halfway through ensures both sides develop a crispy, golden crust. It’s recommended but if you’re careful with the bake, you can cook without flipping, though one side may be less crispy.