– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain)
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil spray or ¼ cup olive oil
Creating this Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the breading station: In one bowl, place the grated Parmesan cheese. In a second bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, crack the eggs and lightly beat them.
3. Dip the chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Coat with cheese: After the egg dip, place the chicken into the Parmesan cheese, pressing down lightly so the cheese adheres well.
5. Final coating: Next, place the cheese-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing until both sides are evenly covered.
6. Arrange on the baking sheet: Lay the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
7. Spray with olive oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil, aiding in achieving a crispier texture during baking.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
9. Check for doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) with a meat thermometer for safety.
10. Serve hot: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Following these steps will lead you to a beautifully crispy and flavorful dish that you and your family will adore.