If you are craving a delicious dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is absolutely what you need. It’s a perfect blend of crispy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken underneath — making it an irresistible weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress without the fuss. The beautiful golden crust packs so much flavor, while the subtle hints of Dijon mustard and hot sauce add just the right zing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as it sounds, every ingredient in this dish plays an important role: from the crispy breadcrumbs to the rich Parmesan, and that creamy, flavorful mayo mixture that keeps the chicken juicy. These staples come together to give you an incredible balance of texture and taste without any complicated steps.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean, tender protein perfect for crusting.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a crunchy, golden crust.
- 2 cups breadcrumbs: The essential crispy coating that combines with Parmesan for the perfect crust.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Keeps the crust moist and golden while adding richness to the flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy binder for the crust and helps infuse flavor while keeping the chicken juicy.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang and depth to the mayo mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a subtle savory boost.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Introduces a mild kick that wakes up the flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly while developing that beautiful, crispy crust we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Breadcrumb Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. This simple mixture is what will become the crunchy, cheesy coating, so make sure it’s well blended.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Mayo Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy bath will keep your chicken moist and add layers of savory flavor under the crust.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the mayo mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, covering every inch with that crispy, cheesy layer. The double coating guarantees maximum crunch and flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is beautifully golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices run clear and the texture is satisfyingly crisp.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Once baked, serve the chicken immediately to enjoy that warm, crispy exterior paired with juicy, tender meat inside. It’s irresistibly good straight out of the oven.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top. A squeeze of lemon juice also brightens up the richness, cutting through the buttery crust beautifully. These simple garnishes elevate the dish both visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, garlic roasted asparagus, or buttery mashed potatoes. You can also go for a comforting side of creamy risotto or steamed broccoli to balance the hearty chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, plate the chicken breast alongside roasted veggies and drizzle with a bit of extra sauce or a dollop of herbed yogurt. If you’re entertaining, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of arugula with sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts — it makes for a stunning presentation that’s just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain much of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Parmesan crusted chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your chicken in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer a juicier and slightly more flavorful result, but keep in mind the cooking time may be a bit longer since thighs tend to be thicker and more fatty than breasts.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The Parmesan and the other ingredients remain the same, so you won’t lose any of the delicious flavor.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time before baking?
You can definitely assemble the chicken with the mayo and Parmesan crumb coating in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This can help meld the flavors together even more.
What can I serve if I want a lighter meal with this chicken?
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or zoodles (spiralized zucchini) for a fresh, lighter pairing that won’t overpower the flavorful chicken.
How spicy is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?
The hot sauce adds just a gentle warmth without being too spicy. If you prefer less heat, feel free to reduce or omit the hot sauce — the dish will still be packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is truly a winner in any kitchen: simple ingredients combine into an unforgettable meal that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s an easy way to elevate dinner and enjoy a well-loved classic. Go ahead and try it tonight—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce, then crusted with a blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before being baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Crust
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Coating Sauce
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs thoroughly to create the flavorful crust mixture.
- Make the coating sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture ensuring it’s evenly coated, then press each piece into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture so that the crust sticks well.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven, serve it hot, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy crust with tender, juicy chicken inside.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the baking sheet or line it with parchment paper before placing the chicken.
- You can substitute regular mayonnaise with a low-fat version to reduce fat content.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount according to your spice preference.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
