Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 60 grams breadcrumbs
- 80 grams parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 lemon, rind grated and juiced
- 60 grams butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190 °C. Line a tray with baking paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, lemon zest, butter, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Flatten each chicken breast using a kitchen mallet or rolling pin and place onto the prepared tray.
- Divide the breadcrumb mixture between the 4 breasts and press on top to form an even coat.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown on top. Remove the chicken from the tray and add the lemon juice to the juices on the tray. Pour the lemon juice mixture over the chicken and serve immediately.
Chicken dishes are a staple in many households, but sometimes we crave a twist that takes our regular weeknight dinner to the next level. Enter Parmesan Crusted Chicken: a delicious, crispy creation that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress both family and guests alike. This dish combines the rich, nutty taste of parmesan with the bright zing of lemon, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Plus, it’s easy enough to prepare even on a busy evening, making it a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.
Preparing the Perfect Parmesan Crust
The process of preparing the crust for this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by combining breadcrumbs and finely grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl. The parmesan should be finely grated to ensure it blends well with the breadcrumbs, creating a uniform mixture. Next, add the grated lemon zest, which will integrate seamlessly with the dry ingredients. Melted butter is then poured over the mixture, acting as a binding agent that helps the crust adhere to the chicken. Fresh parsley, chopped finely, is added for a touch of color and freshness. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
Mix everything thoroughly until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter and the ingredients are well distributed. This crumbly mixture will form the deliciously crispy layer on top of the chicken breasts, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Once your crust mixture is ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Start by flattening the chicken breasts using a kitchen mallet or rolling pin. This will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly and remain tender.
You can also slice the chicken in half horizontally to create thinner chicken cutlets. You may only need 2 breasts if you do this method.
Next, place the chicken breasts on a lined baking tray, divide the breadcrumb mixture evenly among the chicken and press the mixture onto each piece to form a uniform coat.
Bake the chicken at 190°C for about 20 minutes, until lightly golden on top and the chicken is cooked through. To finish, remove the chicken from the tray and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the pan juices. Pour this tangy mixture over the chicken to balance the richness of the parmesan crust.
Serve this Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot, straight from the oven, to enjoy its maximum crispiness and flavor. Plate each piece and drizzle the lemon juice mixture over the top. This dish is not just a meal but a celebration of simple yet bold flavors, guaranteed to make any dinner special. Watch as it quickly becomes a favorite at your dinner table.
