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.