If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with rich, savory flavor, the Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a golden, crunchy masterpiece coated with a fragrant blend of Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning, all baked to perfection. It’s comfort food elevated, delivering a satisfying meal that’s both elegant enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe plays an important role — from the crispy panko that gives it that irresistible crunch to the fragrant garlic that adds depth. These simple, accessible ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and pleasing textures.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thin filets ensures even cooking and tender bites.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Olive oil: Provides moisture and helps the breadcrumb coating crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic sharpness that complements the cheese and herbs.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These light, airy crumbs create the signature crispy crust; regular breadcrumbs work too but with a slightly different texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that makes the crust irresistibly savory.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor and deepens the seasoning.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings a touch of Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so don’t skip it.
Step 2: Slice and Season the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into thinner filets to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out their natural flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Olive Oil and Garlic
In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil with the minced garlic. This mixture will not only add flavor but also help the breadcrumb coating adhere perfectly to the chicken.
Step 4: Combine the Crust Ingredients
In a separate shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This blend is what gives the chicken its signature golden crust and aromatic personality.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken filet first into the olive oil and garlic mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick well on both sides. Transfer each piece to your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the chicken for 8 minutes initially, then remove it from the oven and carefully flip each piece. Bake for another 5–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your filets, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the crust is beautifully crisp.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time locks in the juices, making every bite moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness that complements the crunchy crust wonderfully. Consider a lemon wedge on the side to add a zesty pop that balances the rich Parmesan flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with light, vibrant sides like roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. For an Italian twist, serve alongside garlic butter pasta or a simple tomato and mozzarella salad for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, place the crusted chicken atop a bed of wilted spinach or creamy polenta. You can also slice the chicken and serve it over a warm quinoa or farro salad, garnished with sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken moist but may soften the crispy crust slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or ZIP-top bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the crunchy crust when reheating, warm the chicken in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes rather than microwaving. This approach maintains the golden exterior while ensuring the chicken stays juicy inside.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well with this recipe and can add extra juiciness. Just adjust baking times since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but keep in mind the texture will be denser and less crisp. For a fun twist, crushed cornflakes or seasoned crackers work too.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko or breadcrumb alternatives, and double-check that your seasonings and cheese don’t contain gluten additives.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes dinner prep quicker without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is truly a joy to make and even better to eat. Its crispy, cheesy crust paired with tender chicken creates a satisfying meal that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful coating with a perfect blend of parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Tender chicken breasts are thinly sliced, breaded in a panko and parmesan crust, and baked to golden perfection, making a simple yet elegant dinner option that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2–3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs), cut into thin filets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Breading Mixture
- 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
Olive Oil Mixture
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thinner filets to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Make the olive oil garlic mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the breading: In another shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken filet first into the olive oil and garlic mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Then, press each side of the filet into the breadcrumb mixture to coat it thoroughly. Place the coated chicken pieces on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 8 minutes. Remove the baking sheet, flip each filet carefully, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and is cooked through with a golden crust.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Using thin filets of chicken breast ensures quick, even cooking and a crispy crust.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help the crust adhere well during baking.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, consider using cooking spray instead of olive oil for dipping.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and dryness.
