Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lemon - Lemon wedges, for serving You can use any cheese you like. For a twist, try mozzarella or cheddar. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add great flavor. If you lack fresh parsley, use dried parsley, but cut the amount in half. For those who prefer metric, here are some quick conversions: - 1/2 cup = 120 ml - 1 teaspoon = 5 ml - 1/4 cup = 60 ml Using these ingredients, you will create a tasty dish. Each item plays a key role. The chicken is the star, while garlic and cheese add depth. Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. Using fresh parsley brightens the flavor. Have fun with these choices! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting the chicken crispy. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking. It also makes cleanup easier. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lemon Mix these well. This will be your breading mixture. 2. In another shallow dish, pour 1/4 cup olive oil. Dip each chicken breast into the oil. Make sure each piece is fully coated. 3. Next, take the chicken out of the oil. Dredge each breast in the breading mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks. 4. Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when the coating is golden brown and crispy. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white with no pink inside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps keep it juicy. Serve warm with lemon wedges for a burst of flavor. Breading chicken can seem tough, but it’s easy with these tips. First, always use dry chicken. Pat the chicken breasts with a paper towel. This helps the breading stick better. Next, set up your stations. Have one dish with oil and another with your breading mix. Dip the chicken in the oil first, then coat it in the mix. Press down lightly to make sure it sticks well. This way, you get a nice, even coat. To get that perfect crispy texture, bake your chicken on a wire rack. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. If you don’t have a rack, use parchment paper. Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C). This helps the coating crisp up quickly. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave space between each chicken piece. This keeps moisture from building up and makes your chicken crispy. One common mistake is not seasoning your chicken. Always season the chicken with salt and pepper before breading. Another mistake is using wet chicken. Wet chicken can make the breading soggy. Don’t skip the oil step either. It helps the breading brown and adds flavor. Lastly, don’t rush cooking. If you pull the chicken out too soon, it won’t be fully cooked. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and parsley to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices and flavor. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for a customized taste. Serve with Sides: Pair the chicken with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} To make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken spicy, add red pepper flakes. Just a pinch brings warmth. You can also mix in hot sauce with the olive oil. This adds a great kick without changing the main flavors. Adjust the heat to your liking. This way, you get a tasty twist without losing the garlic and cheese goodness. You can swap out parsley for other herbs. Fresh basil or oregano work well too. Try thyme for a different taste. Each herb gives a unique flavor to the dish. Experiment to find your favorite mix. Fresh herbs brighten the chicken and make it even more tasty. Don't hesitate to try dried herbs if fresh isn't available. You can also fry or grill the chicken for different textures. For frying, heat oil in a pan. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This gives a crispy crust. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Check the internal temperature to ensure it's safe to eat. Each method brings its own charm to this dish. After enjoying Garlic Parmesan Chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the chicken cool down to room temperature first. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat later. Proper storage can keep your chicken tasty for up to three days. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat the chicken in several ways. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the chicken crispy. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. This method can keep your chicken good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken with many sides. Try these options: - Roasted vegetables - Creamy mashed potatoes - Fresh garden salad - Garlic bread - Steamed rice Each side adds flavor and balance to your meal. Roasted veggies add color and nutrition. A salad offers freshness. Garlic bread brings more garlic goodness. Choose what you love! Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time to about 35-45 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Bone-in chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe. To check if the chicken is cooked well, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. If you see pink, cook it longer. Always ensure your chicken is safe to eat! This blog post covered everything you need to make great Garlic Parmesan Chicken. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best texture. We also offered recipe variations and smart storage methods. Remember, whether you add spice or try different herbs, enjoy every bite! With these methods, you'll cook with confidence. Follow these tips for tasty meals, and you'll impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight

A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 piece zest of lemon
to taste pieces lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix well to create the breading mixture.
In another shallow dish, pour the olive oil. Dip each chicken breast into the olive oil, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Remove the chicken from the olive oil and dredge each breast in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the mixture to the chicken.
Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. An internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) is recommended.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for added flavor.

Notes

Arrange the chicken on a platter with sprigs of parsley, accompanied by lemon wedges for a pop of color. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top for an elegant finish.

Keyword baked, chicken, dinner, garlic, parmesan