🧀 Introduction
If you love crispy fried chicken but want something lighter and easier, Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken is about to become your new favorite dinner.
It has:
- A golden, cheesy crust
- Tender and juicy inside
- No deep frying needed
- Simple pantry ingredients
Everything bakes together on one tray, making cleanup easy. It tastes fancy but takes very little effort — perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Here’s your simple shopping list with exact measurements:
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Parmesan Crust
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not powdered — melts better)
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (extra crispy texture)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Coating
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
🍳 Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Get these ready before you start:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- 2 mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
🥣 Preparation Steps (Super Simple)
Step 1 – Prep the chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
If thick, slice horizontally or pound to even thickness (about ½–¾ inch). This helps even cooking.
Step 2 – Make the coating
In Bowl #1:
Whisk eggs + milk.
In Bowl #2:
Mix Parmesan + breadcrumbs + seasonings + olive oil.
Step 3 – Bread the chicken
Dip each piece:
- Egg mixture
- Parmesan crumb mixture
Press firmly so crumbs stick well.
Place on lined baking sheet.
🔥 Cooking / Baking Instructions
Bake it right:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Bake 20–25 minutes
- Flip halfway for extra crispiness
- Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C)
Secret Tips for Perfect Crisp
✔ Spray tops lightly with oil
✔ Use a wire rack on the pan for airflow
✔ Don’t overcrowd the tray
✔ Freshly grated cheese = better crust
For extra browning: broil 2–3 minutes at the end.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs with almost anything!
Sides to try:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Butter rice or pasta
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Garnish ideas:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon squeeze
- Extra Parmesan
- Marinara sauce drizzle for an Italian vibe
💡 Additional Tips & Easy Variations
Flavor boosters
- Add lemon zest to crumbs
- Mix mozzarella with Parmesan
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
Health swaps
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs
- Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 mins
- Use egg whites only
Low carb option
- Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 48 g |
| Carbs | 14 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Calcium | 28% DV |
❓ FAQ Section
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer.
How do I reheat without soggy crust?
Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry 5 minutes.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Bake 25–30 minutes since thighs take longer.
Why isn’t my crust crispy?
Too much moisture or overcrowding. Dry chicken well and space pieces apart.
✨ Wrap-Up
Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken is one of those meals that feels special but takes very little effort. It’s crispy, cheesy, juicy, and family-friendly — everything you want in a comforting dinner.
Once you try it, you’ll probably add it to your weekly rotation.
Fun fact: Parmesan cheese naturally creates a crispy crust when baked because its proteins brown beautifully — that’s the secret magic behind this recipe!
