Elaine GordonLet’s envision the scene: you’ve whipped up a delicious Parmesan crusted chicken, golden-brown and crispy, bursting with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that could easily steal the spotlight at dinner. But what can you serve alongside it to create a complete meal?
Imagine pairing this dish with a vibrant Italian pasta salad loaded with veggies or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables. A fresh arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette rounds things off beautifully, cutting through the richness of the chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try mashed potatoes or polenta? Both offer a soft, comforting contrast to the crunchy texture of the chicken.
Now that we’ve got the side dishes sorted, let’s dive into why this Parmesan crusted chicken recipe is a true gem to have in your culinary arsenal.
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Why This Recipe is Great for You
Cooking shouldn’t just be about sustenance; it’s about joy, creativity, and bringing loved ones together. When I first tried my hand at this Parmesan crusted chicken, I quickly realized it’s one of those recipes that effortlessly combines simplicity and flavor.
You see, I’ve often found myself overwhelmed in the kitchen. As a busy food blogger and registered dietitian, I get it—time is rarely on our side. But what I appreciate most about this dish is how little time it takes to prepare without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
This recipe leans on whole ingredients. By using fresh garlic, quality chicken, and a simple blend of spices, I can create a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. There’s no need for fancy ingredients that will leave one scrambling at the grocery store. The flavors come alive with straightforward components, making it accessible to anyone at any skill level.
Ingredients List with Measurements
Ready to make this scrumptious dish? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 heaping cup panko-style breadcrumbs (feel free to swap with standard breadcrumbs if you prefer)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb blend
Sea salt and cracked black pepper to season to taste
4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2–3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into thin cutlets (that’s approximately 2 lbs)
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create your Parmesan crusted chicken.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is essential. A hot oven will aid in getting that crispy crust we all want.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Take out a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will make clean-up easier and prevent the chicken from sticking. Trust me; nobody enjoys scrubbing leftover bits off a pan.
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The sharpness of the cheese paired with the warmth of the spices will envelop your chicken in an amazing flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Your Garlic and Lemon Zest
Next, add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture. The zest gives the dish a lovely brightness, making it pop with flavor. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Chicken
Now, let’s take those chicken cutlets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This can make a difference—nobody wants soggy chicken. Next, season both sides with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Step 6: Set Up the Dipping Station
Set up a simple dipping station. Take a shallow bowl and pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Dip each chicken cutlet into the oil, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let the excess oil drip off before moving on.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Take each oiled chicken piece and coat it generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure that the coating adheres well. I like to imagine I’m giving them a warm, crispy hug.
Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each piece. This ensures even cooking. Everyone deserves a little personal space, even chicken!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone digs in. It’s an instant hit!
Recipe Notes
When sharing my favorite recipe, it’s essential to delve deeper into the ingredients. Here’s a little backstory on what we’re using:
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded offers a more intense flavor than pre-packaged. Its nuttiness warms up the whole dish.
Lemon Zest: This ingredient is a game changer. It brightens flavors, making the dish sing.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy, these breadcrumbs create a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. They’re a staple in my kitchen.
Smoked Paprika: A favorite spice of mine. It adds an incredible depth that can elevate any dish.
Italian Herb Blend: This mix carries classic Italian flavor. Think basil, oregano, and thyme that evoke images of sun-tamed gardens.
Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Simple yet vital. They bring out the natural flavors and enhance every bite.
Fresh Garlic: There’s nothing like it! Fresh minced garlic gives a pungent kick that’s hard to replicate.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The heart and soul of this dish, high-quality oil delivers richness and flavor. I recommend a good brand that you like.
Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless cuts. They soak up flavors beautifully while being lean and healthy.
Recipe Variations
While this Parmesan crusted chicken is perfect as is, there’s room to play, my friends.
Herbed Variation: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumbs for a garden-fresh flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs. Spice up your life!
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or mozzarella for a fun twist.
Baked vs. Fried: For a crispy fried version, you can pan-fry the breaded cutlets in a bit of oil.
Vegetarian Option: Use thick slices of eggplant or zucchini in place of chicken for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Pre-heat oven, baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 heaping cup panko-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb blend
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper to season to taste
- 4 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 –3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is essential. A hot oven will aid in getting that crispy crust we all want.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Take out a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will make clean-up easier and prevent the chicken from sticking. Trust me; nobody enjoys scrubbing leftover bits off a pan.
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The sharpness of the cheese paired with the warmth of the spices will envelop your chicken in an amazing flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Your Garlic and Lemon Zest
- Next, add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture. The zest gives the dish a lovely brightness, making it pop with flavor. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Chicken
- Now, let’s take those chicken cutlets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This can make a difference—nobody wants soggy chicken. Next, season both sides with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Step 6: Set Up the Dipping Station
- Set up a simple dipping station. Take a shallow bowl and pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Dip each chicken cutlet into the oil, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let the excess oil drip off before moving on.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken
- Now comes the fun part! Take each oiled chicken piece and coat it generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure that the coating adheres well. I like to imagine I’m giving them a warm, crispy hug.
Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Place the coated chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each piece. This ensures even cooking. Everyone deserves a little personal space, even chicken!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone digs in. It’s an instant hit!
Notes
Lemon Zest: This ingredient is a game changer. It brightens flavors, making the dish sing.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy, these breadcrumbs create a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. They’re a staple in my kitchen.
Smoked Paprika: A favorite spice of mine. It adds an incredible depth that can elevate any dish.
Italian Herb Blend: This mix carries classic Italian flavor. Think basil, oregano, and thyme that evoke images of sun-tamed gardens.
Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Simple yet vital. They bring out the natural flavors and enhance every bite.
Fresh Garlic: There’s nothing like it! Fresh minced garlic gives a pungent kick that’s hard to replicate.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The heart and soul of this dish, high-quality oil delivers richness and flavor. I recommend a good brand that you like.
Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless cuts. They soak up flavors beautifully while being lean and healthy.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your breadcrumbs and coat the chicken a few hours before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Right before you’re ready to eat, bake it off for a fresh, hot meal.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs will do just fine. However, panko gives a crunchier finish. If you use regular, consider lightly toasting them in a pan first to add some texture.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinating the chicken in a little lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a couple of hours will add an extra layer of flavor before breading.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which can result in juicier meat. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
What should I do if my chicken isn’t browning?
If your chicken isn’t browning, consider increasing the oven temperature to 425°F for the last few minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Is this dish gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer great options that maintain the same crispy texture.
Conclusion
Cooking should be fun and fulfilling. This Parmesan crusted chicken recipe offers that perfect blend of flavor and simplicity. I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this dish with me. The next time you need a dinner idea that will impress without making you sweat, remember this one. With fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, dinner can be an adventure worth embarking on.
So grab your apron, fire up the oven, and let the cooking begin! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Happy cooking!
