Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken has become a staple in our household, and for very good reason. It’s one of those recipes that manages to be both incredibly simple to make and utterly delicious. Honestly, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up without breaking a sweat, and it always gets rave reviews around the dinner table. The kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devour it, and my husband constantly asks for it again. The crispy, golden parmesan crust is just irresistible, and it keeps the chicken so juicy and tender inside. It’s become our go-to for a comforting, satisfying, and easy meal that everyone loves. If you’re searching for a chicken recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further – this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is it!

Ingredients for Perfectly Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the flavorful and crispy parmesan crust and ensuring juicy, tender chicken.

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! About 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, around 6-8 ounces each. Choose breasts that are of uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is key for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-shredded parmesan as it often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as well, impacting the crispiness of the crust.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their light and airy texture, which results in an extra crispy crust. You can also use regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
• All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken, which in turn allows the parmesan crust to stick beautifully.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture to create a cohesive and flavorful crust that clings to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the parmesan crust, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that provides a classic Italian flavor, complementing the parmesan and garlic beautifully.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and a touch of color to the crust, making it visually appealing and adding another layer of flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and balance the dish. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
• Olive Oil: Used for lightly greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and can also be drizzled over the chicken before baking for added moisture.
• Optional: Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of fresh color and a hint of herbaceousness when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked parmesan crusted chicken every time. Each step is designed to ensure maximum flavor, crispiness, and juicy tenderness.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and quickly cooking the chicken through. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures easy cleanup. A 9×13 inch baking dish works well for four chicken breasts.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, it’s a good idea to pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step is vital for building flavor right from the start.
3. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Create a simple breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs until they are lightly beaten. In the third dish, combine the freshly grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed and ready to create a flavorful crust.
4. Bread the Chicken Breasts: Now, it’s time to bread the chicken. Take one seasoned chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken breast in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the mixture adhere to the chicken. Make sure the chicken is completely coated in the parmesan mixture for maximum crispiness and flavor in every bite. Repeat this breading process for each chicken breast.
5. Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of allowing it to bake and crisp properly. If you have a lot of chicken, you may need to use two baking dishes or bake in batches. If desired, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the breaded chicken breasts at this stage for extra richness and to enhance browning.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the parmesan crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, you can gently tent the baking dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
7. Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Do not skip this step!
8. Garnish and Serve: After resting, garnish the baked parmesan crusted chicken with fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy. This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken (per Serving)

This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. It provides a general guideline for understanding the nutritional profile of one serving of Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories. This calorie range is an estimate and depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the amount of parmesan crust.
• Protein: Approximately 40-50 grams of protein per serving. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Fat: Approximately 25-35 grams of fat per serving. This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats from the parmesan cheese and olive oil. While some fat is essential, be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your fat intake.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates per serving. These carbohydrates primarily come from the breadcrumbs and flour used in the crust.
• Sodium: Approximately 500-700 milligrams of sodium per serving. Sodium content comes from salt, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. You can adjust sodium levels by using low-sodium parmesan or reducing added salt.

Preparation Time Breakdown for Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully efficient, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The preparation and cooking times are relatively short, allowing you to get a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes. This includes the time to prepare the chicken breasts (pounding and seasoning), set up the breading stations, and bread each chicken breast. Efficient organization of your ingredients and workspace can help streamline this process.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes. This is the time the chicken spends baking in the oven until it is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Oven temperatures and chicken thickness can slightly affect the cooking time, so always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes. From start to finish, you can have a delicious and impressive Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken meal ready to enjoy in under 45 minutes. This quick turnaround makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or when you need a fast yet flavorful meal.

How to Serve Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a Complete Meal

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a balanced and satisfying meal:

• Classic Pasta Dishes:
  • Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce: A timeless pairing! The rich tomato sauce complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
  • Fettuccine Alfredo: For a richer meal, serve with creamy fettuccine alfredo. The parmesan in the sauce will enhance the parmesan crust on the chicken.
  • Pesto Pasta: Fresh pesto pasta adds a vibrant, herbaceous element that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Fresh and Flavorful Salads:
  • Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and parmesan shavings in a Caesar salad create a harmonious balance with the baked chicken.
  • Caprese Salad: The simple combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in a Caprese salad provides a light and refreshing contrast.
  • Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery arugula and bright lemon vinaigrette offer a zesty and palate-cleansing side.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables:
  • Roasted Broccoli: Tender-crisp roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan is a simple and healthy side.
  • Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus spears roasted with olive oil and garlic are a sophisticated and flavorful vegetable accompaniment.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans, perhaps tossed with a little butter and lemon juice, provide a fresh and vibrant green side.
  • Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Hearty and satisfying, garlic roasted potatoes make a wonderful starchy side dish.
• Comforting Starches:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food and pair wonderfully with the crispy chicken.
  • Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf, infused with herbs and broth, offers a flavorful and versatile starch option.
  • Quinoa: For a healthier grain option, serve with quinoa, which can be seasoned with herbs or lemon for added flavor.
• Bread and Dips:
  • Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition to an Italian-inspired meal.
  • Focaccia: Serve slices of flavorful focaccia bread alongside the chicken for soaking up any juices.
  • Marinara Sauce for Dipping: Offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping the chicken, especially for kids!

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Elevate your Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken from good to absolutely amazing with these helpful tips and tricks. These insights will ensure consistently delicious results and allow you to customize the recipe to your preferences.

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan for the Best Flavor and Crisp: Pre-shredded parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting and crisping properly. Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and creates a much more flavorful and textured crust. Grate it right before you start breading for the best results.
2. Panko Breadcrumbs are Key for Extra Crispiness: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter and crispier crust. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, you can use them, but panko truly makes a difference in achieving that desirable crunch.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Give the chicken breasts space in the baking dish. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of bake, preventing the crust from getting crispy. If necessary, bake in batches or use two baking dishes to ensure each piece of chicken has room to crisp up.
4. Pound Chicken Breasts for Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and prevents some parts from drying out while others are still raw. Aim for about ½ inch thickness for even cooking and tender results.
5. Season Generously at Each Step: Don’t be shy with seasoning! Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before breading, and ensure your parmesan breadcrumb mixture is well-seasoned with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Layering flavors at each step will result in a much more flavorful dish.
6. Let the Chicken Rest After Baking: Resist the temptation to cut into the chicken immediately after it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Tent it loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm.
7. Experiment with Different Cheeses and Seasonings: While parmesan is classic, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, dried oregano or basil for a more pronounced herb flavor, or even lemon zest for brightness.
8. Make it Ahead of Time (Partially): You can prepare the breaded chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 4 hours. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the chicken is very cold from the refrigerator. However, for the crispiest crust, it’s best to bake them closer to serving time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken (FAQ)

Got questions about making Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Here are answers to some common queries to help you achieve perfect results every time.

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay moister than chicken breasts. The cooking time may need to be slightly adjusted, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, with a few simple substitutions! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko or regular breadcrumbs. Many brands of panko breadcrumbs are now available in gluten-free versions. Also, ensure your flour is a gluten-free all-purpose blend. With these swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this recipe.

Q3: Can I freeze leftover Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

A: While you can freeze cooked chicken, the parmesan crust may lose some of its crispiness upon thawing and reheating. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh. If you do freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or air fryer to try and regain some crispiness.

Q4: How do I store leftover Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

A: Store leftover baked parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the crust is somewhat crispy again. Microwaving is also an option for reheating, but it will make the crust softer.

Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake later?

A: Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken breasts up to 4 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly. Bake them as directed when you are ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are very cold from the refrigerator. However, for the crispiest crust, baking closer to serving time is always recommended.

Q6: What can I serve with Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

A: Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is incredibly versatile! It pairs well with pasta dishes, salads, roasted or steamed vegetables, and starches like mashed potatoes or rice. Refer to the “How to Serve” section above for detailed serving suggestions.

Q7: Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?

A: While you can use pre-shredded parmesan in a pinch, freshly grated parmesan cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose and anti-caking agents that can affect melting and crispiness. Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and creates a superior crust.

Q8: Can I bake this chicken in an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can! Air frying is a great option for achieving extra crispy chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Air frying can result in an even crispier crust than oven baking.

Print