Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish To make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you will need a few simple ingredients. The main components are the chicken, cheese, and breadcrumbs. I use boneless and skinless chicken breasts because they cook evenly and stay juicy. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the dish a rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs are key for that extra crunch. For seasonings, I like garlic powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. These add depth to the dish. Don't forget salt and pepper to bring everything together. You also need eggs and Dijon mustard. They help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Lastly, a little olive oil spray or extra virgin olive oil can boost crispiness. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pretty touch. This recipe is easy and perfect for any weeknight meal. If you want the full recipe, check back for a detailed cooking guide. - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line baking sheet with parchment paper. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. - Whisk eggs and Dijon mustard together. - Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. In a shallow bowl, whisk together two large eggs and two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. This mixture binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken. In another bowl, mix one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one cup of panko breadcrumbs, two teaspoons of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure the dry ingredients blend well for even flavor. - Dip chicken into egg mixture. - Coat with breadcrumb mixture. - Space chicken on baking sheet before baking. Take a chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure it's fully coated. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, place the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press it down gently to coat both sides. Repeat this for all chicken breasts. Once coated, space them out on the prepared baking sheet. If you like, use olive oil spray or drizzle olive oil over them for extra crispiness. Now, your chicken is ready to bake! For the full recipe, refer back to the beginning. To make your chicken super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch. You can also spray the chicken with olive oil or drizzle it lightly with oil. This step adds even more texture. Bake your chicken for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. To check if it's done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Once your chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and keeps it juicy. When serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and flavor. For a complete meal, try serving it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken! For the full recipe, refer to the previous section. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese for new flavors. Mozzarella or cheddar works well. These cheeses melt nicely and add great taste. You can also play with herbs and spices. Try Italian seasoning for a warm flavor. Add cayenne pepper for some heat. These small changes can make your dish exciting. Want a crunchy twist? Use crushed cornflakes or potato chips. They give a unique texture and flavor. They can make your chicken even crunchier. This swap is fun and easy. Just crush them and use them like breadcrumbs. Pair your chicken with delicious sides. A fresh salad makes a great match. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. You can also serve it with rice or pasta. These sides help create a complete meal. They complement the chicken nicely. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these ideas! You should store leftover chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Consume it within 3-4 days. If you wait too long, the chicken may spoil. To freeze leftover chicken, wrap each piece tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag, and label it with the date. When you want to eat your frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is hot. This keeps the crust crispy and the inside juicy. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are juicier and have more flavor. They also have more fat, which makes them tender when cooked. However, they take a bit longer to cook than breasts. If you choose thighs, check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). To keep your chicken juicy, start by marinating it. Use a mix of olive oil and lemon juice to add moisture. Cook at 400°F (200°C) to seal in the juices. Avoid overcooking; check the internal temperature early. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle back into the meat. You can serve many sides with this chicken. A fresh garden salad pairs well and adds crunch. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots add color and nutrition. For a heartier meal, consider mashed potatoes or pasta. Lemon wedges brighten the dish and enhance flavors. For the full recipe, check the ingredients and instructions included in this section. Here’s a quick reference for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish In summary, we covered how to make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs. We explored step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect crunchy texture. Don't forget about the tasty variations and how to store leftovers, too. This dish is simple and tasty, perfect for any meal. Try it your way and enjoy every bite!$

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Delight your taste buds with this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe! This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to create a golden, flavorful chicken dish using simple ingredients like Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this crunchy and juicy chicken is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for ultimate crispiness)

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will be your binding mixture.

In a separate shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Take one chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Allow any excess egg to drip off before proceeding.

Transfer the chicken breast to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even and generous coating. Flip to coat both sides. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken breasts.

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece. If using olive oil, drizzle each piece lightly with oil or spray them with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. To ensure doneness, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Once the chicken is done, carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Before serving, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes

- Total Time: 40 minutes

- Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a platter with lemon wedges on the side for an added zest, and pair it with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.