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Easy Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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This crispy garlic Parmesan crusted baked chicken breast is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers a shatteringly crunchy crust with juicy, tender meat inside. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, it’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each, pounded to even thickness)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up your breading station: In the first shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Coat the chicken: Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
  5. Place on the prepared rack: Transfer the coated chicken breasts to the wire rack, leaving a little space between each piece.
  6. Drizzle with melted butter: Using a spoon or a small brush, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. At the 15-minute mark, check the chicken—if the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the rack for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes before using. If chicken breasts are particularly thick, add 5-7 minutes to the baking time. Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy garlic parmesan chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, garlic parmesan crusted chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-crispy-garlic-parmesan-crusted-baked-chicken-breast-recipe/