Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece with Melissa's Parmesan Crusted Chicken - a dish so deliciously crispy and flavorful, it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine golden, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a crunchy Parmesan crust that's so irresistible, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a meal, it's an experience that promises to elevate your home cooking game and impress everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by gathering all listed items and bringing them to room temperature. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper coating adherence.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs, one with grated Parmesan cheese mixed with breadcrumbs, and one for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides before beginning the coating process.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, allowing excess egg to drip off.
- Next, coat the egg-dipped chicken thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely to the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a wire rack for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure chicken and ingredients are at room temperature for even cooking and better coating adherence.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Always pat chicken breasts completely dry before breading to achieve a crunchier exterior.
- Press Coating Firmly: When coating chicken, press the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly to create a thick, even layer.
- Watch Your Heat: Keep skillet at medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let It Rest: Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Optional Enhancements: Garnish with fresh parsley or serve with lemon wedges for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 130mg
