Roast & Bake

Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken

Name: Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 1 cup chicken broth

By Rachel Cooper · June 18, 2026 · Roast & Bake

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total35 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Parmesan crusted baked chicken for my family. It was a weeknight, and I was looking for something quick, easy, and delicious. I had all the ingredients on hand, and it took me just 30 minutes to get it on the table. The result was a dish that has become a staple in our household - a golden, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful chicken that everyone loves.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of a juicy chicken breast, a crunchy Parmesan crust, and a burst of fresh flavor from the herbs and lemon. It's a dish that's perfect for a family dinner, and it's also impressive enough to serve to guests. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make, and it's ready in no time.

As a busy home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious. This Parmesan crusted baked chicken is one of my go-to dishes, and I know you'll love it just as much as I do. It's a great way to get a healthy, flavorful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's so versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to pasta or rice. You can also customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding different herbs or spices to the crust. And if you're looking for a dish that's perfect for a special occasion, this Parmesan crusted baked chicken is sure to impress.

So if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, look no further than this Parmesan crusted baked chicken. It's a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household, and it's ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it's ready in just 30 minutes.
The combination of a juicy chicken breast, a crunchy Parmesan crust, and a burst of fresh flavor from the herbs and lemon makes for a dish that's both delicious and impressive.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite herbs or spices to the crust to suit your tastes.
This recipe is a great way to get a healthy, flavorful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Parmesan crusted baked chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to pasta or rice.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of a juicy chicken breast, a crunchy Parmesan crust, and a burst of fresh flavor from the herbs and lemon. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, which adds depth and complexity to the dish. The Parmesan crust is made with grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a bit of olive oil, which gives it a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.

The cooking process is also important, as it helps to lock in the juices and flavors of the chicken. The chicken is baked in the oven at a high temperature, which helps to crisp up the crust and cook the chicken through. The result is a dish that's both juicy and crunchy, with a flavor that's out of this world.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of fresh ingredients. The herbs and lemon add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish, while the Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. The breadcrumbs provide a crunchy texture, while the olive oil helps to bring everything together.

Overall, this Parmesan crusted baked chicken is a dish that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It's a great way to get a healthy, flavorful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, and it's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Parmesan crusted baked chicken, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is, of course, the chicken breast. You'll also need some grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality items you can find. This will ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and delicious. You can find most of the ingredients at your local grocery store, and you may already have some of them in your pantry.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)The chicken breasts should be fresh and of high quality. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheeseThe Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. You can use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor, or store-bought grated cheese if you're short on time.
1 cup breadcrumbsThe breadcrumbs provide a crunchy texture to the crust. You can use plain breadcrumbs or flavored breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
2 tbsp olive oilThe olive oil helps to bring the crust together and adds a bit of flavor to the dish. You can also use other oils, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedThe garlic adds a bit of flavor to the dish. You can use fresh garlic or jarred garlic, depending on your preference.
1 tsp dried thymeThe thyme adds a bit of herbal flavor to the dish. You can use fresh thyme or dried thyme, depending on your preference.
1 tsp dried basilThe basil adds a bit of bright, fresh flavor to the dish. You can use fresh basil or dried basil, depending on your preference.
1 tsp saltThe salt enhances the flavors of the dish and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken. You can use kosher salt or sea salt, depending on your preference.
1/2 tsp black pepperThe pepper adds a bit of depth and complexity to the dish. You can use freshly ground pepper or pre-ground pepper, depending on your preference.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesThe lemon adds a bit of bright, fresh flavor to the dish. You can serve the lemon on the side, or squeeze a bit of juice over the chicken before serving.
1 cup chicken brothThe chicken broth adds a bit of moisture to the dish and helps to keep the chicken juicy. You can use low-sodium broth or regular broth, depending on your preference.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetWire rackOvenMeasuring cups and spoonsCheese graterCutting boardKnife

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
3
In a separate dish, whisk together the olive oil and chicken broth.
4
Dip each chicken breast into the oil and broth mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5
Then, dip the chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.
6
Place the coated chicken breast on a wire rack set over a large baking sheet.
7
Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts.
8
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
9
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
10
Serve the chicken with a squeeze of lemon juice and a side of your favorite vegetables or pasta.

Expert Tips

To get the crust to stick to the chicken, make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly.
If you're using chicken thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To add a bit of extra flavor to the dish, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the top of the chicken before serving.
You can also serve the chicken with a side of marinara sauce or pesto for added flavor.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
You can also use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients to the crust, such as diced onions or bell peppers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly enough, which can cause the crust to fall off during cooking.
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of crisp up.
Not letting the chicken rest for long enough before slicing and serving, which can cause the juices to run out of the meat.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as old breadcrumbs or stale cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature, which can cause foodborne illness.
Not serving the chicken immediately after cooking, which can cause the crust to lose its crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add some diced onions or bell peppers to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor and texture.
You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.
You can add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more budget-friendly option.
You can serve the chicken with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for a more filling meal.
You can use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients to the crust, such as diced ham or chopped nuts.

What to Serve With Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken

This Parmesan crusted baked chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some ideas include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or a side of pasta or rice. You can also serve the chicken with a green salad or a side of garlic bread for a more substantial meal.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it to your family or to a crowd, and it's sure to be a hit. The chicken is also great for leftovers, and you can serve it cold or reheated for a quick and easy meal.

Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sproutsPasta or riceGreen saladGarlic breadRoasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Parmesan crusted baked chicken, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the chicken, you can bake it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. The chicken is also great served cold, and you can slice it thinly and serve it on a sandwich or salad.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch of the chicken on the weekend and store it in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 days. Then, simply reheat it and serve it with your favorite sides for a quick and easy meal.

To make the dish more convenient, you can also prepare the breadcrumb mixture and the chicken ahead of time. Simply store the breadcrumb mixture in an airtight container at room temperature, and store the chicken in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to cook it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken breasts will yield a leaner dish, while chicken thighs will be more tender and juicy.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese for this recipe. Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan are all good options, and you can also mix and match different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

How do I get the crust to stick to the chicken?

To get the crust to stick to the chicken, make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. You can also try dipping the chicken in a bit of oil or egg before coating it with the breadcrumbs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the breadcrumb mixture and the chicken, and store them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to cook it.

How do I reheat the chicken?

To reheat the chicken, you can bake it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will keep for up to 2 months.

What are some good sides to serve with this recipe?

Some good sides to serve with this recipe include roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, and green salads. You can also serve the chicken with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a more substantial meal.

Can I use this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can use this recipe for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the chicken in batches if necessary. The chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to be a hit with your guests.

The Full Recipe

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