If you’re craving a crispy, golden chicken with a flavor-packed crust, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken! Tender, juicy chicken is coated with a garlicky, cheesy crust thatโs perfectly baked to crispy perfection. This dish is sure to impress with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal. Plus, it pairs well with just about anythingโveggies, pasta, or a simple salad. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ๐
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ๐ง
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness) ๐
- 2 tsp garlic powder ๐ง
- 1 tsp onion powder ๐ง
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning ๐ฟ
- 1/2 tsp salt ๐ง
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ๐ถ๏ธ
- 2 large eggs ๐ฅ
- 2 tbsp olive oil ๐งด (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) ๐ฟ
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Coating
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Coating Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together until theyโre fully combined.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a thick and even layer. Make sure the chicken is well-covered in the garlic-Parmesan crust.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each piece with a little olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the crust is golden brown and crispy. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometerโwhen it reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC), itโs done.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve the garlic Parmesan crusted chicken with your favorite side dishes like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Why Youโll Love Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
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Crispy and Golden: The Parmesan and breadcrumb coating creates an irresistible crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the juicy chicken inside. ๐โจ
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Full of Flavor: The garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning give the chicken a burst of savory flavor in every bite. ๐ง๐ง
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Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare but delivers big on flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick but delicious. ๐
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Versatile: This chicken can be served with almost anythingโover pasta, with a side of veggies, or alongside a crisp salad. Itโs a versatile dish that pairs well with both comfort food and lighter options. ๐ฅ๐
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Healthy Option: Baking the chicken instead of frying means you get all the crispy, cheesy goodness with less oil. It’s a lighter version of a crispy chicken dish without sacrificing flavor! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
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Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a light, airy crunch thatโs irresistible! ๐
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Add a Little Zest: If you like a bit of tang, sprinkle some lemon zest over the chicken before baking or serve it with a wedge of lemon on the side. ๐
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Donโt Skip the Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it retain its juices and ensures the chicken stays tender and moist.
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Season the Chicken: Before coating, sprinkle a little salt and pepper directly on the chicken breasts. This gives them a little extra seasoning under the crust for even more flavor! ๐ง
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Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, this recipe works just as well with chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordinglyโbone-in pieces may take a bit longer to cook.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The crispy garlic-Parmesan crust and juicy chicken will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it to the family on a weeknight or using it as the star of a fancy dinner, this dish will not disappoint. ๐ฝ๏ธ
Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal thatโs sure to please! ๐