Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating evenly. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Finish in the Oven
- Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- Serve over a bed of greens with a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The garlic and Parmesan crust adds a burst of savory goodness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Works great with chicken thighs or tenders too.
Pro Tips
- Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy crust, toast the breadcrumb mixture in a dry skillet for a few minutes before breading the chicken.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion! 🧄🧀✨