Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Baked parmesan chicken is an easy meal idea! These cutlets are pounded thin, then breaded in browned bread crumbs to make a crispy, oven baked meal perfect over a salad for a light dinner.
Servings 6 cutlets
Calories 300kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, half dry breadcrumbs - half panko
- spray olive oil
- 3 large chicken breasts, or 6 thin cutlets
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400F. Put a rack in the middle position.
- Spray and toss breadcrumbs with olive oil until lightly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes, stirring two or three times. When medium brown, remove from oven and transfer to a shallow bowl. Let cool and set the sheet aside for the chicken.
- If using large breasts, cut each into 2 cutlets. Take each cutlet and pound gently until it is even and between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick (about 1 centimeter). Season with salt and pepper.
- Set out three wide bowls: one with flour, one with eggs whisked with water, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan.
- Dip each cutlet in the flour, shaking to remove excess. Then in egg, letting it drip off. And then in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Move each cutlet to your baking sheet.
- Lightly spray both sides of each cutlet with oil.
- Bake chicken for 12-16 minutes, or until it reaches 165F on a thermometer. Remove from oven and move chicken to a rack so it doesn't get soggy.
Notes
- Breadcrumbs: A mix creates a coating both crispy and crunchy. You can use all plain dry crumbs or all panko.
- Flattening: Cover each cutlet with a piece of plastic wrap and pound with a wide mallet or a rolling pin (I have an old one for this purpose).
- Breading: Avoid messy fingers by using the 'three fork' method. One to move the cutlet into the flour. The next for the egg. And the last for the crumbs.
- Rack: You can elevate the chicken on a rack set over your baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
- Serving: Enjoy sliced over a salad, in a sandwich, or broil a slice of cheese on top until melted and serve with tomato sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcal