Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Easy Recipe for Busy Nights

Looking for a simple, delicious, and easy-to-clean-up meal? Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the answer! This sheet pan dinner combines crispy, golden Parmesan-coated chicken with perfectly roasted vegetables. It’s a family-friendly dish that is healthy, quick, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re short on time or simply want a no-fuss dinner, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe will become a go-to for your weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. The crispy coating of Parmesan adds a savory crunch, while the tender chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Plus, cooking it all on one sheet pan means minimal cleanup — a win for busy evenings!

The dish is also adaptable to various dietary preferences and can be paired with different vegetables or side dishes to suit your family’s tastes. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken, this oven-baked version is an excellent option. And with the addition of fresh herbs and spices, each bite is a burst of flavor.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish! Chicken breasts are lean, protein-packed, and take on the crispy Parmesan coating beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: This provides the savory, golden crust that gives the chicken its distinct flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: They create the perfect crunchy texture and help the Parmesan adhere to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a rich, aromatic depth to the dish.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme brings a Mediterranean flair.
• Egg: Acts as the binder for the breadcrumb-Parmesan coating.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil ensures the chicken gets golden and crispy in the oven.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for alternative ingredients, here are some great swaps:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are an excellent option, offering more moisture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: For those with dietary restrictions, you can swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties.
• Fresh Parmesan: If you can’t find pre-grated Parmesan, freshly grated will give a more intense flavor and texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a satisfying dinner.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and get crispy.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for ensuring the Parmesan crust sticks properly.
3. Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into a beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure the coating sticks.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil for added crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, remove from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite sides.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached 165°F internally. This will prevent undercooking or overcooking.
• Crispier Crust: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
• No Mess: To avoid a mess when coating the chicken, set up a dredging station with separate bowls for the egg and breadcrumb mixture. This will make the process faster and cleaner.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides, making it a versatile dish for any meal. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are perfect complements to the crunchy chicken.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich, cheesy chicken.
• Pasta: For an indulgent meal, serve the chicken alongside a plate of creamy pasta or spaghetti aglio e olio.
• Gluten-Free Version: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or almond flour.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prep the chicken ahead of time by coating it with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, then storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it as directed.

Health Benefits of Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with protein and essential nutrients. Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making this dish an excellent option for those looking to maintain muscle mass or support weight loss goals. Additionally, the Parmesan cheese adds calcium and other vitamins, while the olive oil provides healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied.

This recipe is also flexible, allowing you to incorporate a variety of healthy vegetables on the sheet pan. Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes add fiber and nutrients, making this meal a balanced choice.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is more than just a dinner—it’s a comforting, nutritious meal that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. The crispy coating and juicy chicken combine to create a dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something easy, flavorful, and satisfying. With a golden, crispy Parmesan crust and tender, juicy chicken inside, this sheet pan dinner is both a crowd-pleaser and a time-saver. Whether you enjoy it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of pasta, this dish is versatile enough to fit any meal plan. Plus, it’s healthy, full of protein, and packs in those delicious, savory flavors that everyone loves. Give it a try today, and make your weeknight dinners simpler and more delicious than ever!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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