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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast Easy Dinner

crispy parmesan crusted chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crunchy Parmesan and panko crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe uses simple ingredients and a clever mayonnaise trick for incredible moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if using.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven in thickness, pound to about 1/2-inch thickness between plastic wrap.
  3. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. In a shallow bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until combined.
  5. In another shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs with a fork.
  6. Spread a generous layer of the mayonnaise mixture all over each chicken breast, including sides.
  7. Press coated chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Flip and repeat on the other side.
  8. Place coated chicken on the prepared wire rack or baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
  9. Drizzle or spray tops with olive oil to help the crust become golden and crispy.
  10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and crust is golden brown.
  11. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) and full-fat mayonnaise. A wire rack helps the bottom get crispy; if not using, flip chicken halfway through baking. Let coated chicken rest 10 minutes before baking for a crispier crust. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven or air fryer, not the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken, weeknight dinner, parmesan crusted chicken