Italian Parmesan Chicken
Juicy Italian Parmesan Chicken features crispy coated chicken breasts infused with savory Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and spicy cayenne, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate chicken breasts in Italian dressing.
- In a separate bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip the marinated chicken in the dry mixture, covering each piece completely.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet.
- Pour remaining dry mixture on top of the chicken.
- Bake at 350° to 375°F for approximately 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crispy coating, try using panko breadcrumbs mixed with the Parmesan cheese. If you're short on Italian dressing, a combination of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs can work as a substitute. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. This dish is a great option for meal prep as it can be made in advance and reheated easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Parmesan Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S One Pot Spaghetti for a hearty family dinner. You can also top it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a twist on chicken Parmesan.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Parmesan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the oven will help maintain the crispy texture of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Parmesan Chicken contains roughly 97 calories, with 11g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value).
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, skin-on chicken breasts can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they will take longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as a substitute. Both have a similar flavor profile and will work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely for a low-carb option. The chicken will still be flavorful from the dry seasoning mix.
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).