Parmesan Crusted Chicken

The Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those dishes that brings a smile to my face every time I make it. I remember the first time I tried a similar meal at a local restaurant; the crispy, cheesy crust paired perfectly with the juicy chicken, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, often served on busy weeknights or special occasions when I want to impress my friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. The rich, savory tang of the parmesan cheese complements the chicken beautifully, while the crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast. Not to mention, it’s versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides, making it an ideal choice for any meal. I love to pair it with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal. The best part? It’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, allowing you to indulge in a restaurant-quality dish right from your home.

Ingredients to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

When creating the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The combination of creamy ranch dressing with the crispy panko breadcrumbs ensures a delightful contrast, while parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth. Let’s dive into the key players in this dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal.
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing: This tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided: Provides that creamy, tangy flavor we love.
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: A creamy layer that enhances flavor and moisture.
• 4 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a delicious creaminess.
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness to the breadcrumb mixture.
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a delightful, crispy topping.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice for balance.
• Optional parsley for garnish: A touch of freshness and color on the plate.

Recipe Directions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Making the Parmesan Crusted Chicken is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress.

1. Pound the chicken breasts to a ½ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
2. Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator. This not only enhances flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
3. When you’re ready to cook, heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken nicely.
4. Using tongs, add the marinated chicken to the skillet, searing for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Look for a golden brown exterior to indicate doneness.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese with all of the ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Spoon the ranch mixture over the seared chicken breasts, spreading it evenly.
7. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast, allowing it to melt and enhance the flavor.
8. Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on low for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye, as broilers can vary in intensity.
9. While broiling, mix the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese in a bowl. This will create the crispy topping.
10. Once the chicken is broiled and the cheese is bubbly, remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top, ensuring even coverage.
11. Return the skillet to the oven and broil again until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
12. Serve hot, garnished with optional parsley, and enjoy!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

The versatility of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken means you can adapt it in several ways to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Pairing: Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or gouda, for unique flavors.
• Herb Additions: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the breadcrumb mixture can elevate the dish.

Perfect Pairings for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

When it comes to serving the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, there are plenty of delightful options to complement this dish.

• Caesar Salad: A classic side that adds freshness and crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies can enhance the meal while adding color to your plate.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes bring comfort and pair beautifully with the chicken.
• Quinoa Salad: A light, protein-packed option that adds a nutritious touch.
• Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any leftover ranch dressing sauce on your plate.
• Seasonal Fruit Salad: A refreshing palate cleanser that balances the richness of the dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Parmesan Crusted Chicken is truly a standout dish that combines all the right elements for a comforting meal. Its crispy topping and juicy chicken make it a favorite among family and friends. I encourage you to try making this recipe; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You’ll find that it’s not just easy to make but incredibly satisfying to enjoy. Give it a shot tonight, and you won’t be disappointed!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Parmesan Crusted Chicken features a crispy topping that adds irresistible crunch to tender, juicy chicken. This easy weeknight dinner will have everyone asking for seconds! Perfect for any occasion, it’s a must-try tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 487 kcal

Equipment

• Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• optional parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Pound the chicken breasts to a ½ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
• Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator. This not only enhances flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
• When you're ready to cook, heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken nicely.
• Using tongs, add the marinated chicken to the skillet, searing for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Look for a golden brown exterior to indicate doneness.
• In a separate bowl, combine ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese with all of the ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon the ranch mixture over the seared chicken breasts, spreading it evenly.
• Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast, allowing it to melt and enhance the flavor.
• Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on low for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye, as broilers can vary in intensity.
• While broiling, mix the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese in a bowl. This will create the crispy topping.
• Once the chicken is broiled and the cheese is bubbly, remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top, ensuring even coverage.
• Return the skillet to the oven and broil again until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
• Serve hot, garnished with optional parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

If you do not have a cast iron skillet, you can cook and sear these in a large non-stick pan, then transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and assemble and broil your chicken that way. Take care not to place the non-stick pan in the oven, it can’t take the heat of the broiler.

Storage: The leftover chicken can be frozen for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer in an airtight container.

Reheating: Leftovers reheat really well in the microwave, but you can also reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re cooking it after being frozen, allow it to thaw before heating.

Keyword Crispy Chicken Recipe, easy chicken dinner, family-friendly meals, Parmesan crusted chicken recipe

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Meet Bella Banks

I’m the one who makes sure we’re having fun while we work. I love the communal aspect of cooking seven friends in a kitchen can be chaotic, but it’s the best kind of chaos! I cook everything alongside the girls, and I’m often the one setting the table and making sure the “vibe” is right for our photos. I believe that any recipe, no matter how simple or complex, is a celebration.