Description
Parmesan-crusted chicken bake brings golden, crispy goodness to weeknight dinner tables with minimal prep time. Juicy chicken breasts coated in herbed cheese create an irresistible main course you can confidently serve to hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) bread crumbs
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, large
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) olive oil
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a rectangular baking dish with olive oil to prevent adhesion.
- Coating Setup: Create three distinct stations – one with flour, another with whisked eggs and milk, and the third with a blend of bread crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Chicken Breading: Meticulously coat each chicken fillet by first dusting with flour, then dipping in egg mixture, and finally rolling in seasoned bread crumb mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly searing chicken fillets for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a golden-brown exterior and seal in moisture.
- Cheese Topping: Arrange seared chicken in the prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle a mixture of remaining Parmesan, mozzarella cheese, and minced garlic across the chicken surface.
- Baking Finale: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to reach perfect doneness while the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crust.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Organize all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress.
- Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, even layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Cheese Melt Magic: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent burning, creating a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg