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Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of parmesan crusted chicken cut in half showing juicy white meat inside the golden, crispy crust.
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Make restaurant-quality Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home. This recipe delivers a tender, juicy interior beneath a perfectly golden and crunchy cheese crust. It is a quick and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and water. In a second shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Dip each pounded chicken breast first into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  5. Next, press the chicken firmly into the Parmesan-Panko mixture, coating both sides completely. Press the crust on so it adheres well.
  6. Place the crusted chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of pasta or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can briefly pan-sear the crusted chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil for 1-2 minutes per side before transferring it to the oven.
  • If you want a Longhorn copycat version, prepare a simple creamy garlic sauce separately to drizzle over the finished chicken.
  • This recipe works well for Keto diets if you substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/parmesan-crusted-chicken-easy-weeknight-dinner/