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Delicious Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.
Cooking with chicken often brings back memories of family gatherings and simple weeknight dinners. The quest for that perfect chicken dish has led me to experiment with various flavors and techniques. Today, we’re diving into a delicious Parmesan chicken recipe that captures that home-cooked goodness and elevates it with a delightful cheesy crust.
What’s truly wonderful about this dish is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can craft a meal that sails through the weeknight rush while still impressing anyone at your dinner table. The Parmesan adds that rich flavor we all love, while the breadcrumb coating provides an irresistible crunch. Each bite invites you back for more, and even the pickiest eaters find themselves enjoying it.
As we embark on this culinary journey, let’s explore the delightful world of Parmesan chicken. By the end of our time together, you’ll be armed with all the tips and tricks to make this dish a staple in your home. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing the joy of cooking, and this Parmesan chicken recipe is your gateway to that happiness.
Delicious Parmesan Chicken
Fundamentals
Before jumping into the preparation of this delicious Parmesan chicken, it’s essential to understand the basics. This dish revolves around creating a crispy exterior and juicy, tender chicken. The combination of fresh Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs forms a delicious crust that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Preparation is key. Each step plays a role in ensuring the chicken comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful. The ingredients are simple but pack a punch when combined. Knowing how to handle them properly makes all the difference.
Preparation/setup
Let’s start by preheating your oven to a warm 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will turn the breadcrumbs golden and crisp while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly. Lightly greasing a baking dish with olive oil helps the chicken not to stick, allowing for easy serving later.
Ingredients
For this delicious Parmesan chicken, you will need the following:
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
These ingredients set the stage for a delightful meal that everyone will love. Freshly grated Parmesan provides an authentic flavor that pre-packaged cheese simply can’t replicate.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture while pressing firmly to ensure adherence.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the greased baking dish, and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the chicken during the last five minutes of baking.
- Let the chicken rest briefly before serving hot with your favorite sides.
Elevate Your Parmesan Chicken
Technique
Mastering the technique is critical for this Parmesan chicken recipe. The goal is to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ensuring your chicken is patted dry before breading will enhance adherence of the breadcrumbs, which leads to a crispier texture when baked.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings an unparalleled depth of flavor compared to pre-packaged options. Pay close attention during the coating process, as the more you press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken, the better the crust will hold.
Tips/tricks
A few tricks can enhance your Parmesan chicken experience. For added zing, consider incorporating different herbs into the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
If you prefer more moist chicken, marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before breading can add flavor and tenderness to your dish.
To switch things up, try experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar in combination with Parmesan for a delightful twist.
Perfecting Your Parmesan Chicken
Perfecting results
Achieving the best results takes practice and attention to detail. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken, which should reach at least 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Allowing your chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more succulent and tender.
Troubleshooting/variations
Should you encounter a few hiccups, don’t fret. If your chicken lacks that golden crisp, it might be due to too much egg mixture clinging to the breasts. Ensure to tap off excess before coating.
For variations, consider adding a layer of marinara sauce beneath the chicken in the baking dish. This addition offers a delightful flavor contrast and creates a unique twist on the classic Parmesan chicken. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives found in most grocery stores.
Serving and Storing
Serving/presentation
To serve this delicious Parmesan chicken, slice it to reveal the juicy interior and sprinkle it with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Present the chicken on a large platter also garnished with fresh parsley for an inviting touch. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even a refreshing salad for a well-rounded meal.
Pairings/storage
For side pairings, consider serving the Parmesan chicken alongside a crisp garden salad or creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal. Roasted seasonal vegetables also add a delightful freshness to the dish.
When it comes to storing leftovers, place any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, though for the best results, a quick crisp in the oven will help regain the crunch.
Conclusion
Delicious Parmesan chicken not only elevates ordinary weeknight meals but also brings a touch of culinary sophistication to your kitchen. The combination of crispy coating and juicy chicken makes for a dish that delights the senses. By mastering the preparation and techniques shared in this article, you invite flavors that make your cooking truly exceptional. Enjoy the process and relish every bite.
PrintDelicious Parmesan Chicken
A simple yet delicious Parmesan chicken recipe with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture while pressing firmly to ensure adherence.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the greased baking dish, and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the chicken during the last five minutes of baking.
- Let the chicken rest briefly before serving hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
For added flavor, consider different herbs in the breadcrumb mixture or marinate the chicken before breading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg