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Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast

crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender chicken breasts with a crispy, golden Parmesan breadcrumb crust baked in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450–680g)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko (about 90g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Lightly pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm) for even cooking.
  2. In one bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush each chicken breast lightly with olive oil or dip into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crust. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
  5. Place the breaded chicken breasts on the wire rack, spacing them evenly for air circulation.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
  8. Optional: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry and pound to even thickness for best results. Use egg wash as glue to keep crust intact. Baking on a wire rack helps crisp the crust all around. Flip halfway through baking for even browning. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast. Reheat leftovers in oven to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, Parmesan chicken, weeknight dinner