Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the dish.

Parmesan cheese: Grated, this cheese adds a rich, savory flavor and helps form the crust.

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are pre-seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, adding flavor and texture.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.

Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color to the crust.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the seasoning.

Olive oil: Used to help the crust adhere to the chicken and adds a bit of richness.

To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly and remain juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness before coating them with the parmesan mixture. This will help the chicken cook at the same rate and prevent any pieces from drying out. Additionally, using a wire rack on top of the baking sheet can help the crust stay crispy all around by allowing air to circulate underneath.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, though it is slightly sharper.

• italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs with italian seasoning: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar texture and can be seasoned with Italian herbs to mimic the original flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a slightly smoky flavor, enhancing the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of saltiness but with a slightly different mineral profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, often described as more earthy.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar fat content and a high smoke point, making it suitable for baking.

• Allow the baked chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each piece with parchment paper to maintain the integrity of the parmesan crust.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

• For freezing, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact.

• Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This ensures the parmesan crust remains crispy and delicious.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked parmesan crusted chicken on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the parmesan crust.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Place the leftover chicken breasts in the skillet.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the crust is crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover parmesan crusted chicken in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the crust is crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the parmesan crust.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken breasts at the specified temperature, ensuring they cook through and develop a golden brown crust.

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for placing the coated chicken breasts, allowing them to bake evenly.

• Brush: Helps in applying olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring the coating adheres properly.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the chicken breasts without contaminating other surfaces.

• Cooling rack: Allows the chicken to rest after baking, ensuring the juices redistribute and the crust remains crisp.

• Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat or uneven parts from the chicken breasts before coating.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for preparing the chicken breasts.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices the night before to save time.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs together for an even coating.

Line your baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup faster.

Flatten chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.

Double the recipe: Make extra parmesan crusted chicken and freeze for a quick meal later.