If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy, golden crust with tender, juicy chicken, you are going to fall in love with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of savory Parmesan cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a flavorful, creamy coating that locks in moisture and taste. This recipe delivers on both comfort and elegance, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish irresistible. From the sharpness of Parmesan to the subtle heat from the hot sauce, every element complements the chicken beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish providing a lean, tender protein base.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty crunch that forms the essence of the crust.
- 2 cups breadcrumbs: Adds volume and crispy texture to the coating.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Ensures the crust bakes to a golden perfection and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy layer helping the crust stick while imparting richness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings brightness and a slight tang that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Offers a gentle kick, balancing the richness without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other ingredients.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to cook the chicken evenly while allowing the Parmesan crust to become beautifully golden and crisp without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Breadcrumb Mixture
In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This mixture is crucial because it forms the flavorful, crunchy coating that will make your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe so addictive. Be sure to mix them well to distribute the cheese evenly.
Step 3: Make the Coating Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. This creamy blend ensures the crust adheres firmly to the chicken and delivers layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the creamy mayonnaise mixture first, making sure it is fully covered. Then, press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture so the coating sticks well. This double-dip technique guarantees a crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust has turned a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone will have you rushing to the table!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This final step helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and juicy.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. A wedge of lemon is also fantastic to give a little zing and balance the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For an Italian-inspired meal, consider serving it alongside garlic butter pasta or a light tomato basil sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken over a bed of mixed greens for an impressive salad, or layer it in a sandwich with arugula, tomato, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serving the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe with a side of marinara can also turn it into a delightful chicken Parmesan twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Parmesan Crusted Chicken will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or busy nights.
Reheating
To keep the crust crispy when reheating, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield a slightly juicier and more flavorful result, and the crust will still turn out wonderfully crisp. Just keep in mind thighs may require a bit more cooking time to reach the safe internal temperature.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you prefer, Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as a substitute for mayonnaise. They provide tanginess and moisture that help the Parmesan crust stick, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this recipe spicy because of the hot sauce?
The hot sauce adds just a mild kick that enhances the overall flavor without making it overly spicy. You can adjust the amount or omit it completely if you prefer a milder version of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance and bake it later?
Yes, you can coat the chicken in the Parmesan mixture and refrigerate it for a couple of hours before baking. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out. This makes it convenient if you want to prep ahead for dinner.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs both work well here. For an extra crunchy texture, panko breadcrumbs are a fantastic choice and will elevate the crispiness in the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe enough for anyone seeking a straightforward but spectacularly tasty meal. It becomes a fast favorite thanks to its crispy, flavorful crust and juicy chicken center. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to dishes too!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. The buttery, tangy mayonnaise mixture infused with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of hot sauce creates an irresistible crust that is crispy on the outside and moist inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese & Crust
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Coating Mixture
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs thoroughly. This mixture will form the crispy crust on the chicken.
- Mix the wet coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dredge the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
- Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot. Enjoy this delicious meal with your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter coating, though the texture of the crust may vary slightly.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an even crunchier crust.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pounding them to an even thickness can help.
