Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
- 2boneless
skinless chicken breasts, about 8 ounces each
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 ¼ cpanko bread crumbs
- ¾ cgrated parmesan
- 1 tbspfinely chopped fresh parsley
plus more for garnishing
- 2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cmayonnaise
- lemon wedges
for serving, optional
Directions
- 1
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- 2
Pat chicken dry with a paper towel, then carefully slice each breast in half horizontally, forming 2 thin cutlets. (You’ll have 4 total pieces.)
- 3
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the cutlets until 1/4-inch thick. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- 4
In a large, shallow bowl or rimmed plate, combine the panko, Parmesan and parsley with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add oil and toss until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
- 5
Working one at a time, brush each chicken cutlet all over with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, then dip into the panko mixture, turning and pressing gently until fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
- 6
Sprinkle lightly with salt and serve hot or warm.
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
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About this Recipe
Craving oven-baked chicken that's sensationally crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy within? This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of fried cutlets without the mess, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
The genius of this recipe lies in two key techniques. First, instead of a traditional egg-and-flour dredge, we use mayonnaise to bind the crust. This unexpected ingredient not only helps the panko and Parmesan adhere beautifully but also infuses moisture and subtle flavor into every bite. Second, tossing the panko-Parmesan blend with olive oil before baking ensures an incredibly golden, shatteringly crisp crust that truly mimics a fried texture.
Prepare for a delightful experience where each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by tender, flavorful chicken. The Parmesan cheese adds a savory, salty depth, while the baking process keeps the chicken breast moist and succulent. It's an essentially large-format, dinner-friendly chicken tender, perfectly golden-brown and fragrant from the parsley. You'll love the hands-off cooking and incredibly easy cleanup that comes with oven baking.
This versatile Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is fantastic on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Serve these golden cutlets with a vibrant green salad for a fresh contrast, or offer your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice from optional lemon wedges brightens the rich savory notes beautifully.
Ideal for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, this easy poultry main course is sure to become a family favorite. Its approachable flavors and satisfying crunch make it a winning meal for any occasion.