Description
A delicious and easy-to-make baked chicken recipe featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and smoked paprika. This recipe yields a crispy, golden crust while keeping the chicken juicy and tender, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, plain breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken: Brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil to help the coating adhere. Then, dredge each breast in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well on all sides.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and appealing finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour before coating.
- You can slice the chicken into tenders for quicker cooking and easier serving.
