🍗 Crusted Chicken
Crusted chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish where chicken breasts or thighs are coated with a seasoned crust — usually breadcrumbs, herbs, and sometimes cheese — then baked or pan-fried. The result is a juicy interior with a crunchy exterior.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or oregano)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for baking)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Prepare Crust
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
3️⃣ Coat Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, letting excess drip off.
- Press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4️⃣ Cook
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and internal temp 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Frying: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve with vegetables, salad, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
💡 Tips
✔ Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
✔ Add grated lemon zest or crushed nuts to the crust for extra flavor.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan if pan-frying — cook in batches.
✔ Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
I can also give you a garlic-herb Parmesan crusted chicken recipe that’s extra crispy and packed with flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Do you want me to provide that version?
