Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise; ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; ½ cup shredded provolone cheese; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that showcases the satisfying crunch of panko breadcrumbs combined with the nutty, savory flavors of Parmesan and provolone cheese. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken breasts, coated in an irresistible crust that adds both texture and a punch of flavor. Not only does this recipe offer a delicious homemade alternative to your favorite restaurant dish, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Parmesan Crusted Chicken

I first discovered the magic of Parmesan Crusted Chicken during a cozy evening at home, searching for a meal that would impress without putting me through hours of prep work. The moment the cheese melted and browned, creating that golden crust, I knew I was onto something special. It’s a meal that never fails to satisfy, whether enjoyed solo or served at a family gathering. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and you’re going to love how your kitchen smells as it cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in approximately 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheeses with perfectly seasoned chicken brings layers of incredible taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: That crispy, golden crust will have everyone asking for seconds.
Flexible Serving: Great for lunch, dinner, or even as special party fare.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it fantastic for family meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut in half lengthwise, ensuring they cook quickly and evenly while remaining juicy.
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a robust flavor and helps form the delicious crust. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
½ cup shredded provolone cheese: Adds creaminess and a milder flavor. Feel free to swap it with mozzarella if you prefer less tang.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for moisture and richness; using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic essence that complements the chicken beautifully.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the dish.
½ teaspoon salt: Adjust according to your taste preference.
½ teaspoon pepper: A touch of spice to round out the flavors.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs ensure a super crispy texture; regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they won’t be as crunchy.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Preheat the Grill Pan: Before you start, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken sears beautifully.
Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of the melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. This flavorful mix will coat your chicken and infuse it with delicious flavor. Brush each chicken breast with this mixture generously.
Grill the Chicken: Once the grill pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they develop a nice sear. Flip the chicken over carefully.
Mix the Cheese Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese with the shredded provolone cheese, and set it aside for later.
Add the Cheese Mixture: On the flipped side of the chicken, sprinkle the prepared cheese mixture generously. Allow the chicken to cook for another 3-4 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill pan and carefully place each breast on a baking sheet lined with foil, making clean-up easier.
Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven’s broiler on high. This step will make the panko breadcrumbs golden and crispy.
Prepare the Panko Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This combination creates a flavorful, crunchy topping.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the panko mixture over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
Broil the Chicken: Slide the baking sheet under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, just until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. This step happens quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve: Once browned to perfection, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Be mindful that freezing may slightly change the texture, but a quick broil can refresh that crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the grill pan is preheated well to get a proper sear on your chicken, which helps to lock in moisture.
For best flavor, allow the butter mixture to soak into the chicken for a few minutes before grilling.
If you want extra texture, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumbs.
Keep a close eye under the broiler; the panko can burn quickly, so you may need to adjust the time based on your broiler’s strength.
If you’re planning to make this a few hours in advance, prepare the chicken and the toppings but wait to bake until right before serving.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a delightful way to enjoy time in your kitchen while creating something truly special. Everyone deserves to indulge in a bit of crispy, cheesy goodness that brings joy to the dinner table. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and watch it quickly become a favorite in your household!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, indicating that the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and the cheese topping in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just ensure you broil it fresh for that crispy topping!

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Grilling and Broiling
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish boasts an irresistible flavor, easy prep, and delightful crunch from panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal, it features juicy chicken breasts topped with a cheesy crust that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture onto each chicken breast.
Cook the chicken on the grill pan for 3-4 minutes, then flip to the other side.
In another bowl, mix together ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and shredded provolone. Set aside.
Top each chicken breast with the cheese mixture and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken from the grill pan and place on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Preheat the oven’s broiler on high.
In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over each chicken breast.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy, watching closely to avoid burning.
Take out the chicken from the broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Feel free to substitute the provolone cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Make sure to watch the chicken closely while broiling to prevent burning.