Description
🧀 Enjoy a crispy and flavorful Parmesan crusted chicken that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
🍋 This oven-baked recipe offers a healthier alternative to frying while delivering a golden, juicy meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 to 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs), sliced into thin filets or thin cutlets (~¼-inch thickness)
½ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 1¼ cups grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs or 1¼ cups panko bread crumbs (substitute gluten-free for allergies)
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, helps crumbs adhere and adds moisture)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish and flavor)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Thinly slice the chicken breasts into cutlets about ¼-inch thick for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Bind the Coating
In another bowl, whisk eggs or a vegan substitute. Optionally brush chicken pieces with mayonnaise for better adhesion and moisture.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Place coated pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side to create a crispy crust before baking (optional but recommended).
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip once midway to ensure even cooking and browning. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle. Serve with optional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness.
Step 9: Meal Variations
Try pairing the chicken with roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish for a balanced meal. For alternative cooking, use an air fryer at 375°F for 10 minutes per side for a faster, crisp result.
Notes
🧂 Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken for a crispy crust that sticks well.
⏳ Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
🥄 Use mayonnaise or Dijon mustard to help the crumbs adhere better and add extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Oven-Baked Chicken, Easy Dinner