Description
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful crispy crust made from panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2-3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs), cut into thin filets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Coating
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 heaping cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thinner filets and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Make the Olive Oil Garlic Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic, stirring well to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to create the crispy coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken filet first into the olive oil garlic mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides to ensure a thorough crust. Transfer each coated filet to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove the chicken, flip each filet carefully, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain the juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it moist and tender.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier coating but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure food safety.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
