Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 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 more than just a meal—it’s a delightful experience that transforms simple chicken breasts into something truly unforgettable. Coated with a luscious blend of cheeses and crispy breadcrumbs, this dish has a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside. With rich umami flavors from the Parmesan and provolone, each bite is a celebration of comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe guarantees satisfied smiles.

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 stumbled upon this gem during a cozy family dinner night, craving something that felt indulgent yet still homey. As soon as I tasted that first bite, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to create such a restaurant-quality dish right in my kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and under an hour to make, it’s a go-to solution for busy weeknights or a special occasion meal. You’ll find this version of Parmesan Crusted Chicken is bound to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Irresistible Flavor: The cheesy, savory crust paired with juicy chicken is a flavor combo you won’t forget.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden and crispy, it’s as impressive to look at as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or served alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to modify for gluten-free diets with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise: Choosing boneless makes the cooking quicker and easier, ensuring juicy results.
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Freshly grated is ideal for the best flavor and texture, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
½ cup shredded provolone cheese: This adds a creamy element to the topping that balances the saltiness of the Parmesan.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided: Unsalted butter allows for controlled seasoning while still adding richness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic flavor enhancing the overall taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the dish.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors in the chicken and cheese.
½ teaspoon pepper: A touch of heat that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: These give an airy crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the juicy chicken underneath.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Preheat Your Grill Pan: Start by preheating a grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken for that wonderful flavor.
Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this buttery goodness over each chicken breast generously.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing those beautiful grill marks to form. Then, flip the chicken.
Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of Parmesan cheese with provolone cheese, mixing well. This combo is what gives you that ooey-gooey cheese topping!
Add the Cheese Mixture: After flipping the chicken, immediately top it with the cheese mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You want that cheese melty and slightly golden.
Transfer to Baking Sheet: After grilling, remove the chicken and place it on a lined baking sheet. This is key for the broiler step!
Prepare for Broiling: Turn your oven’s broiler to high to get it nice and hot.
Combine Breadcrumbs and Remaining Cheese: In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan and the last 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This will create a delightful, crunchy topping.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture over each chicken breast. The crunch is where the magic happens!
Broil to Perfection: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy, keeping a watchful eye to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the broiler and let it rest for about 5 minutes before diving in. This is crucial for juicy chicken!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours after cooking. For refrigeration, keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture of the cheese topping may soften over time but revives beautifully with a quick reheat.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it can dry out quickly. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Consider letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to keep all those juices in.
If you find your breadcrumbs aren’t browning, simply move the oven rack closer to the broiler.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends based on your preferences or what you have on hand—smoked gouda can be a delicious addition!
For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that entices the senses. It’s comforting yet elevated, making it perfect for those times when you want a little something special without spending all day in the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe, and remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it—serve it with a side of roasted veggies or simply by itself for an indulgent treat. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

You can serve this dish with a variety of sides! Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes make excellent companions. Pairing with a light pasta or quinoa can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will yield an even juicier result. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take slightly longer to reach the proper internal temperature.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Another visual cue is that the juices should run clear when pierced.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prep the chicken and cheese mixture ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before grilling. This way, you cut down on the cooking time during busy evenings!

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Pan-grilling and broiling
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is packed with irresistible flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for a quick dinner. Enjoy tender chicken breasts topped with a delightful cheese blend and crispy panko breadcrumbs.

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 over each chicken breast.
Place the chicken on the grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip the chicken.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese and provolone, and set aside.
Top chicken with the cheese mixture and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cream and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this over each chicken breast.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until golden and crispy, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Remove from the broiler and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure to monitor the chicken under the broiler to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
Using fresh garlic instead of powder can enhance the flavor even more.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.