Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that’s easy to prepare and makes for a delicious meal. The chicken breasts are coated with a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to perfection. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   • In another shallow dish, place the flour.
   • In a third shallow dish, whisk the eggs with Dijon mustard (if using) until well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess.
   • Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Coat the chicken in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
4. Bake the Chicken:
   • Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy crust, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• To make this dish even more flavorful, you can add grated garlic or lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture.
• If you prefer, you can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for a quicker option, cooking until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple salad. Enjoy this crispy, cheesy chicken as a satisfying meal any day of the week!