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Easy Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast Recipe

crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, crispy baked chicken breasts with a golden Parmesan crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven in thickness, pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine the mayonnaise and minced garlic. Mix until smooth.
  4. In another shallow bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir together.
  5. Spread a thin, even layer of the mayonnaise mixture all over each chicken breast.
  6. Press each chicken breast into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly. Gently pat the coating to help it stick, then shake off any excess.
  7. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil spray. Place the coated chicken breasts on the rack, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The crust should be deep golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let the chicken rest on the rack for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. The mayonnaise helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken moist. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices. If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, baked chicken, parmesan chicken