Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Night

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner is a delightful dish that never fails to impress. As someone who loves to explore the culinary world, I can confidently say that this recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese with the tender juiciness of chicken, creating a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Originating from Italian cuisine, the use of Parmesan cheese has a long-standing history, often associated with rustic, hearty meals that bring families together around the dinner table.

What makes Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner so beloved is not just its incredible taste, but also its delightful texture. The crispy, golden crust contrasts beautifully with the moist chicken, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors. Additionally, this dish is incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Whether you’re serving it with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Preparing the Chicken

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get that lovely golden crust. 2. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts**: Take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. 3. **Season the Chicken**: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Preparing the Breading Mixture

4. **Set Up Your Breading Station**: In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station: – In the first bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the Dijon mustard until well combined. – In the second bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. – Leave the third bowl empty for the chicken. 5. **Coat the Chicken**: Take one chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off before transferring it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat it thoroughly on both sides. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.

Cooking the Chicken

6. **Heat the Olive Oil**: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough that it shimmers but not smoking. 7. **Sear the Chicken**: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a delicious crunch and locks in moisture. 8. **Transfer to the Oven**: After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. 9. **Check for Doneness**: To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. If it reads 165°F, you’re good to go! If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Preparing the Side Dishes

While the chicken is baking, you can prepare some delicious sides to complement your Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Here are a couple of quick ideas: 10. **Roasted Vegetables**: – Preheat another oven to 400°F (200°C) if you have space, or you can roast them alongside the chicken. – Chop your favorite vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots) into bite-sized pieces. – Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. – Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. 11. **Garlic Mashed Potatoes**: – Peel and chop 2 pounds of potatoes and boil them in salted water until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). – Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. – Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Dish

12. **Remove the Chicken from the Oven**: Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute,

Conclusion:

In wrapping up this delightful Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner recipe, I can’t stress enough how it’s a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight meals. The crispy, cheesy crust combined with the tender chicken creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this chicken with a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the Parmesan. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the crust, or even swapping out the chicken for eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner a try. I’d love to hear about your experience, so don’t forget to share your thoughts and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Cooking is all about creativity, and I can’t wait to see how you make this dish your own! Enjoy every bite! Print