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Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Best 30-Minute Recipe

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This crispy baked parmesan crusted chicken breast is a quick and easy 30-minute recipe that delivers a shatteringly crunchy crust and juicy chicken without frying. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients and a double-coating technique for restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray it lightly with olive oil cooking spray.
  2. 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).
  3. In the first shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. In the second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Mix with a fork until evenly distributed.
  4. Working with one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto both sides.
  5. Transfer the breaded chicken to the prepared wire rack. Repeat with the remaining pieces. Make sure they are not touching each other.
  6. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil cooking spray.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). At the 10-minute mark, check on it. If it is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Optional: For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely.
  9. Let the chicken rest on the rack for 3-5 minutes after baking.
  10. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness for even cooking. Use a wire rack for maximum crispiness. Grate your own Parmesan for best melting. Spray with oil, do not brush. Let chicken rest before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, 30-minute recipe, baked chicken breast, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/crispy-baked-parmesan-crusted-chicken-best-30-minute-recipe/