Parmesan Herb-Crusted Chicken Recipe
This Parmesan Herb-Crusted Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mix of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and Italian herbs. The chicken is baked to perfection, creating a crispy, golden crust while remaining juicy inside. It's a simple, delicious meal that pairs well with vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Shallow bowls or plates for dredging
- Whisk
- Meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing the chicken)
- Large skillet (for searing the chicken)
- Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
- Cooking thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated for the best flavor
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for searing
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If they’re thick, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set them aside.
Make the Parmesan Herb Crust
- In a shallow dish, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly so the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the herbs and cheese.
Dredge the Chicken
- In another shallow dish, place the flour. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Take each chicken breast, first dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken breast in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick to the chicken.
Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. The crust should be crunchy and perfectly browned.
Bake the Chicken
- Once the chicken has been seared on both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
While this Parmesan Herb-Crusted Chicken Recipe is already incredibly flavorful, you can customize it to suit your tastes. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. For extra richness, you could drizzle some Alfredo sauce or marinara over the chicken before serving. The options are endless!