Name: Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Olive oil spray

This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken offers a crispy, golden crust with tender, juicy chicken inside. Packed with protein, this recipe is a healthier twist on classic fried chicken, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Its combination of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and simple spices delivers a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Cut: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best texture. Pound to an even thickness for even cooking.
Prep the Breading Station: Set up a tidy breading station to keep the process seamless and reduce mess.
Preheat the Baking Sheet: Place the baking sheet in the oven while preheating for a crispier bottom crust.
Spray for Extra Crunch: Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray or olive oil to help it turn golden brown.
Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Allow the chicken to rest after baking for a few minutes to lock in the juices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. With less oil than fried versions, this healthy option doesn’t compromise on crunch or taste. The golden Parmesan crust pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables.

Yield: Serves 4

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Crispy, baked Parmesan-crusted chicken, packed with flavor and a healthier alternative to fried chicken for dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a baking sheet inside to preheat.
Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Pat them dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Coatings: In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even layer.
Bake: Carefully place the breaded chicken onto the preheated baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a light salad.

Notes

Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded on the baking sheet for even browning.
Customize the seasoning blend to suit your preferences.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 454Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 211mgSodium 952mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 50g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes in Long Form

Chicken Breasts: Opt for fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts. Pounding them to about 1/2 inch thick ensures quick, even cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-packaged varieties, delivering superior flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Use Panko for a crunchier texture, but Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs work great for added flavor.
Eggs: Beaten eggs help the coating adhere to the chicken.
Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning add a depth of flavor. Adjust spice levels to your liking.
Olive Oil Spray: Helps achieve a golden, crispy crust in the oven without the need for frying.

Variations and Substitutions in Long Form

Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed almond flour.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Herb Blend: Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a unique flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a hint of heat.
Air Fryer Alternative: Prepare the chicken in an air fryer for a quicker and equally crispy result.

Storage Options

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooked chicken pieces in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.