Description
This Crispy Cheesy Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, pan-fried to golden perfection, then baked with melted mozzarella cheese on top. It combines crispy texture with rich cheesy goodness for a delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Set up breading station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one combining panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This setup will help in evenly coating the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg until fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture ensuring the coating sticks firmly for maximum crispiness.
- Pan-fry the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet but will finish in the oven.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Evenly top each piece with shredded mozzarella cheese to add a creamy, melted layer.
- Bake until cooked through: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double dip the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating step.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used but the texture may be less crispy.
- The recipe can be adjusted by swapping mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
