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Ultimate Juicy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Panko

Close-up of juicy parmesan crusted chicken cut open, showing white meat and crispy golden-brown coating.

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Make this ultimate Parmesan crusted chicken for a dinner that is crispy, juicy, and simple to prepare. This baked chicken breast recipe uses Panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for binding the crust)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix the dry ingredients well.
  4. Dredge the chicken: Lightly coat each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Panko mixture, ensuring both sides are completely covered.
  5. Apply the binder: Lightly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the top side of each crusted chicken breast. This helps the crust brown beautifully and keeps the chicken juicy.
  6. Bake the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve this restaurant style parmesan chicken with a side salad or pasta for an easy chicken dinner.

Notes

  • For an air fryer version, spray the crusted chicken lightly with cooking spray. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  • If you prefer a zesty flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the Panko mixture.
  • To achieve extra juicy chicken breasts, ensure they are pounded to an even thickness before breading.

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