Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)

Kitchen Equipment

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (to flatten chicken)
• Shallow bowls (for dredging)
• Baking sheet (for baking the chicken)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
• Tongs or a fork (for flipping the chicken)
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan cheese)
• Knife and cutting board
• Pastry brush (for brushing with oil or butter)

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Making this crispy, flavorful chicken is easy, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations

1. In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, and paprika.
2. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil (or melted butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re making multiple pieces of chicken, you may need to cook them in batches.
2. If you like extra garlic flavor, you can add minced garlic to the pan during the last minute of cooking and sauté until fragrant.

Step 4: Bake (Optional, for Extra Crispiness)

If you prefer extra crispy chicken, you can finish the chicken in the oven. After pan-searing both sides of the chicken, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Making Perfect Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They have a lighter, airier texture that creates a delightful crunch.
• Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture of the crust.
• Even Cooking: Flattening the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks uniformly. This helps prevent overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
• Garlic Lovers: If you love garlic, you can add a little more minced garlic to the breadcrumb mixture or sauté the garlic in olive oil for an extra flavor boost before cooking the chicken.

Variations on Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes.

• Herb Variations: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
• Lemon Zest: For a refreshing citrus kick, add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture or squeeze a little lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or ground almonds as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.