Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated with a crispy, golden crust made from Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs. Perfectly seared and baked to achieve a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, this dish is an easy and delicious meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
Coating
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken to a crispy golden finish.
- Prepare the coating mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Make the egg wash. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well blended. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Coat the chicken breasts. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to create an even crust.
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown. This step locks in flavor and creates a crisp exterior.
- Bake the chicken. Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
- Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- You can substitute seasoned breadcrumbs with panko for an even crunchier texture.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing to ensure even browning.
- To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer.
