Baked Parmesan Chicken Breasts
Juicy baked chicken breasts coated in Parmesan and herbs, offering a flavorful, crispy crust. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner suitable for family or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray a baking pan with no-stick spray.
- Dip chicken breasts in melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, dry breadcrumbs, oregano, parsley or basil flakes, parsley or basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the buttered chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular dry breadcrumbs. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. If you want to add more herbs, try mixing in some Italian seasoning or fresh thyme. Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked Parmesan chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Yellow Squash Supreme for a comforting dinner. You can also serve it over a bed of pasta with marinara sauce for a heartier option, or alongside Hash Browns Fantastic for a delightful brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked Parmesan chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the oven method helps retain the crispiness of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Parmesan Chicken Breasts contains roughly 356 calories, with 18g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (215% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value), and calcium (133% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 356 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts. The skin will add extra flavor and moisture, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I do if I don't have breadcrumbs?
If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or cornflakes can be a great substitute. Alternatively, you can blend stale bread into crumbs or use ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat, mix crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy seasoning blend. You can also marinate the chicken in a spicy sauce before coating it for an added kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).