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If you’re looking to impress your friends or family with a dish that’s crunchy, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. The perfect combination of tender chicken breast lovingly coated in a golden, crispy crust made of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for entertaining, making it a versatile favorite to keep in your culinary arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of these ingredients means you probably already have most of them on hand, and they come together seamlessly to make this dish shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base, tender and juicy when cooked properly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps form the beautifully crisp crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide crunch and help to bind the Parmesan cheese coating.
- Melted butter: Ensures a golden crust and adds buttery richness.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as a flavorful binder and keeps the chicken moist during baking.
- Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tanginess that elevates the overall taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and a hint of umami to the marinade.
- Hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick for some exciting heat.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and the crust achieves that perfect golden brown crispiness we all love.
Step 2: Combine the Parmesan and Breadcrumbs
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together one cup of grated Parmesan cheese with two cups of breadcrumbs. This blend will form the deliciously crunchy crust that’s packed with cheesy goodness and texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Moist Coating Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together half a cup of melted butter, half a cup of mayonnaise, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. This rich, flavorful mixture coats the chicken perfectly and keeps it juicy inside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise-based mixture, ensuring an even coating, then press it firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture so that it’s generously covered. This two-step coating guarantees a crispy exterior with an irresistible cheesy crunch.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Place your coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Masterpiece
Serve the chicken hot right from the oven. The crust will be crispy, the inside tender, and the combination of flavors truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add pops of fresh flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish perfectly without overpowering the cheesy crust.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside steamed broccoli or a medley of roasted root vegetables to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken breasts and serve them over pasta tossed in a light tomato sauce or drizzle with a balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. You could also serve individual portions atop a bed of risotto or alongside a vibrant quinoa salad for a colorful, nutritious plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious quick lunch or dinner later on.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, perfect for whenever you need a savory, comforting meal in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the crust soggy, diminishing that wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook fully.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the coating mixture?
The mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and helps the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture stick. If you prefer, you could experiment with Greek yogurt or a beaten egg, but you might sacrifice some richness and tenderness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe does rely heavily on Parmesan cheese for its signature flavor and texture, so it’s challenging to make dairy-free without losing that essential component. However, you could try a dairy-free cheese alternative and dairy-free mayonnaise for a similar effect.
What’s the best way to get the crust extra crispy?
Using melted butter helps, but for an extra crispy crust, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. This quick blast of intense heat creates a fantastic golden finish.
Can this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and you’ll have a gluten-free version just as tasty and crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a true culinary gem that combines ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal all on one plate. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or pampering yourself with some seriously delicious comfort food, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite. Don’t hesitate, dive in and enjoy the magic of that crispy, cheesy crust paired with juicy chicken every time!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken featuring a crispy golden breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese crust, baked to perfection for a juicy and flavorful meal that serves 4. This recipe combines a tangy mayonnaise mixture with savory seasonings to create an irresistible crust that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Crust
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Coating 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 ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the chicken.
- Mix Parmesan and Breadcrumbs: In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs thoroughly. This mixture will form the signature crispy crust on the chicken.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful and moist coating.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture, making sure it is evenly coated, then dredge it in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture to cover completely.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased, and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, enjoying the crisp crust and tender chicken inside.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
- If you prefer, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter coating.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level, or omit for no heat.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
