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Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken is presented as a delicious featured image for a recipe article.

Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken

This recipe delivers incredibly crispy and flavorful parmesan chicken without deep-frying. By understanding the principles of moisture control, the Maillard reaction, and the importance of fat, you can achieve a golden-brown crust and juicy interior using your oven.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Shallow dishes
  • Meat mallet (if needed)
  • Oven
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish.
  5. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated.
  6. Dredge the chicken in the Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the breading to the chicken. Make sure every surface is covered!
  7. Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
  8. Drizzle each chicken breast with olive oil.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, ensure the chicken is patted dry before breading. You can also experiment with adding a touch of melted butter to the olive oil for a richer flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.