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If you’re craving a dish that delivers crispy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken in every bite, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a fantastic combination of crunchy parmesan and buttery breadcrumbs that form a golden crust, locking in all the flavors and juices. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe feels both comforting and fancy at the same time. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever missed out on such a simple yet spectacular chicken dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together brilliantly. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and creating that irresistible texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas for the crispy, cheesy coating to shine through.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps form the signature cheesy crust.
- 2 cups breadcrumbs: Provide crunch and volume to the coating, enhancing texture.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Keeps the crust moist and golden brown while baking.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth with mild umami notes.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: A gentle kick that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other ingredient.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is perfectly hot to create that crispy, golden crust your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is known for.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This mixture is going to be your delicious crust, so make sure it’s well blended for an even coating later on.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture will help the crust stick while infusing each bite with layers of flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture carefully, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, covering every surface. The contrast of creamy and crunchy textures will make your dish stand out.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through, juicy inside, and the parmesan crumb topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Once baked, serve the chicken hot to enjoy the full effect of that crisp crust juxtaposed with tender meat. Trust me, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves on top adds a pop of color and an herbaceous brightness that complements the rich crust. A wedge of lemon is also a lovely touch to add a fresh zing right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad, garlic roasted vegetables, or even a creamy mashed potato. The crunchy crust of the chicken balances beautifully with softer textures and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe and serve it over a bed of spaghetti tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs or alongside garlic buttered asparagus for an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation in your own kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the chicken’s moisture and keeps the crispy crust intact as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the crust crispy, much better than using a microwave, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
While Parmesan is key to the distinct flavor and crust of this recipe, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses for a slightly different taste. Just be mindful of salt levels since these vary.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and everything else stays the same. The texture and flavor will remain just as delightful.
Can I prepare this dish using chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well too. They tend to be more tender and juicy, but make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness.
What’s the best way to get the crust extra crispy?
Using melted butter in the coating and baking at 375°F helps achieve a crispy golden crust. For an extra crunchy finish, you can broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
Can I marinate the chicken before coating it?
Definitely. Marinating in a simple lemon juice and herb mixture for 30 minutes can enhance flavor, but remember to pat the chicken dry before dipping into the mayo and breadcrumb coating for better adhesion.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe that’s crispy, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. It’s a dish that brings joy to the table and is easy enough to become a regular in your rotation. So go ahead, gather those ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this little crunchy, cheesy delight—you won’t regret it!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, enhanced by a creamy and tangy mayonnaise-based marinade. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a delightful, crunchy crust and juicy interior, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Parmesan Crust
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Marinade/Mixture
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Parmesan Mixture: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs to create the crispy crust coating.
- Make Mayonnaise Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing well to form a rich and flavorful marinade.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture first, allowing it to be fully coated, then press each breast into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even crust all around.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. You can pound them lightly if needed.
- Using fresh grated Parmesan cheese improves the crust’s flavor and texture compared to pre-grated.
- Adjust the level of hot sauce according to your heat preference.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to seal in juices.
- Serve with vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
