Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken: The Easiest Crispy Chicken Recipe
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Craving a delicious and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further than this Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken recipe! This is a fantastic way to create a healthy, flavor-packed, and satisfying meal that everyone in your family will love. Requiring only five simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into crispy, golden perfection right in your oven. Forget the fuss and mess of frying – this baked version delivers all the crunch without the extra grease.
This recipe is truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights. When time is short and you need a dinner solution that’s both quick and appealing, this Parmesan Panko Chicken is your answer. The minimal prep time and straightforward instructions mean you can have a complete meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Imagine the satisfaction of serving a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort!
And of course, who can resist the appeal of crispy, golden-brown chicken? This recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders without compromising on taste or texture. Served alongside your favorite side dishes, this chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes, this chicken complements a wide variety of accompaniments.
Be sure to bookmark or save this Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken recipe for those moments when you need a reliable and effortless weeknight dinner. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again!
Simple Ingredients for Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most, if not all, of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. This makes it a convenient and budget-friendly option for any night of the week. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken: The foundation of this recipe! Skinless chicken breasts are ideal for a quick and healthy dinner. Opt for medium-sized breasts for even cooking. You can also use chicken tenders or cutlets for a slightly different texture.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to achieving that distinct Parmesan flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting properly and creating a cohesive crust.
- Mayonnaise: This might seem like an unusual ingredient, but trust us! Mayonnaise acts as the binding agent, keeping the chicken moist and providing a tangy base for the Parmesan and breadcrumbs to adhere to. Choose your favorite brand of mayonnaise for this recipe.
- Breading: Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs provide the crispy coating that makes this chicken so irresistible. Panko breadcrumbs will result in a slightly crunchier texture, while Italian-style breadcrumbs offer a more traditional flavor profile.
With just these four key ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken
Now that you have your ingredients assembled, let’s walk through the easy steps to create this delicious baked chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This high temperature ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and the breadcrumbs become nice and crispy.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the dish and makes cleanup a breeze. A well-greased dish is essential for ensuring the chicken lifts easily after baking.
- Prepare the Chicken: This step is crucial for even cooking. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken breasts to your desired thickness using a meat mallet. Thinner chicken cooks faster and more evenly, preventing the outside from drying out before the inside is cooked through.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the prepared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Make sure the chicken pieces are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
- Prepare the Parmesan Mayonnaise Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This mixture will act as the flavorful base for the breadcrumb coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the Parmesan mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated, as this will contribute to the overall flavor and moisture of the chicken.
- Add the Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs generously over the top of the Parmesan mayonnaise-coated chicken. Gently press the breadcrumbs into the mixture to help them adhere to the chicken. This breadcrumb topping will create the crispy crust that makes this recipe so appealing.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
With these simple steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to savor the delicious flavors of this easy baked chicken recipe!
Storing Leftover Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them properly will ensure that they remain delicious and safe to eat. Here’s how to store this chicken recipe:
Fridge: Place the leftover Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating it. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the chicken soggy.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help to retain the crispy texture of the breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a microwave, but be aware that the breadcrumbs may lose some of their crispiness.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken for days to come!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
To ensure your Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks:
Choosing the Right Chicken for Panko Breading
Using thin chicken breasts is crucial for even cooking and a crispy coating. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound them to a thinner consistency. This reduces the cooking time and ensures that the chicken cooks through without drying out. Chicken cutlets or chicken tenders are also excellent alternatives.
Enhancing the Flavor of the Breadcrumbs
Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding extra flavor to your breadcrumb mixture. Consider incorporating the following ingredients to create a more complex and savory crust:
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the breadcrumbs.
- Italian seasoning: Provides a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the breadcrumbs with a savory garlic taste.
The Magic of Mayonnaise: No Egg Wash Needed!
One of the great things about this recipe is that you can skip the traditional egg wash. Mayonnaise acts as the perfect substitute, providing ample flavor and moisture while helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. This simplifies the breading process and ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken recipe, you might also like these other tasty chicken dishes:
- One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice: A complete and flavorful meal made in just one pot.
- One Pot Chicken Stroganoff: A creamy and comforting classic with a chicken twist.
- One Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: A heartwarming and easy-to-make soup.
- Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Bowls: Flavorful and customizable bowls perfect for meal prepping.
Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken Recipe
Julia Pacheco
5
minutes
25
minutes
30
minutes
4
servings
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