Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons melted butter To make Parmesan crusted chicken, you need: - A baking sheet - Parchment paper - Two shallow bowls - A whisk - A measuring cup - A spatula Each serving of Parmesan crusted chicken has about: - 350 calories - 28 grams of protein - 22 grams of fat - 15 grams of carbs - 3 grams of fiber This dish is not just tasty; it's also packed with protein! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. You can pound them slightly to make them even. This helps them cook evenly. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mix will give the chicken a great flavor. Now, dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture. Make sure it is fully coated. This helps the breadcrumb mix stick well. Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently on both sides to coat. This step is key to getting a crispy crust. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. For added crispiness, lightly spray the tops with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the coating to be golden brown. Make sure to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you want extra crunch, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes. This gives it a nice color and crispiness. After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve it on a bed of fresh arugula or greens. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your meal! To get that perfect crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They add great crunch. Mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan for extra flavor. When you coat the chicken, press down firmly. This helps the coating stick well. A light spray of olive oil or melted butter on top boosts crispiness in the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking. Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures your meal is safe and tasty. Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens. Add lemon wedges for a zesty touch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes the dish pop with color. Pair it with roasted veggies or a light salad for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh Parmesan cheese and high-quality breadcrumbs. This will elevate the taste of your chicken significantly. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result. Customize the Coating: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch. Paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick! Make It a Meal: Pair the chicken with a simple salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. {{image_2}} To make Parmesan crusted chicken gluten-free, switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these at most stores. A good option is almond flour or crushed rice crackers. These will give you a nice crunch without gluten. Just follow the same steps as in the recipe. Your chicken will still turn out crispy and tasty! You can change the flavor to suit your taste. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the breadcrumb mix. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. For a kick, include red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. If you like a more earthy taste, try adding thyme or rosemary. Mix and match to find your favorite! If you want to mix it up, use turkey cutlets instead of chicken. They will cook in the same time and be just as delicious. You can also use pork chops for a different flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if the meat is thicker. Each option will give you a unique twist on this classic dish. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate each piece with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This helps keep the coating crispy. You can freeze Parmesan crusted chicken for longer storage. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until it’s hot. For extra crispiness, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the chicken soggy. You can serve Parmesan crusted chicken with a variety of sides. Fresh salads work great. Try arugula or mixed greens. Roasted vegetables also pair well. For a heartier meal, serve it with mashed potatoes. Rice pilaf or quinoa are good options too. They soak up any juice from the chicken. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch. Cheddar gives a sharp taste. Gouda or Gruyere can add depth. Just remember, different cheeses melt differently. Choose a cheese that you enjoy for the best flavor. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear, not red. These tips help ensure your chicken is safe to eat. This article covered everything you need for Parmesan crusted chicken. You learned the key ingredients, cooking tips, and nutritional info. We explored variations, storing tips, and answers to common questions. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal. Remember to adjust flavors and experiment with sides. Enjoy making your chicken crispy and tasty! Happy cooking!$

Delicious chicken breasts coated with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust.

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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 breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined.
In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure a good coating on both sides.
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. For added crispiness, lightly spray the tops with olive oil or brush with melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, parmesan