Golden Parmesan Herb Chicken

Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken offers a delightful blend of juicy chicken and a crispy, flavorful crust, baked to golden perfection in your oven. This incredibly easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet sophisticated enough to impress at any special occasion.

Imagine tender, succulent chicken breasts enrobed in a golden-brown crust, infused with the aromatic essence of fresh herbs and the savory richness of Parmesan cheese. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a culinary experience that brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your home, without the fuss or the hefty price tag. We’ve mastered this irresistible combination, applying a similar zesty mustard sauce and aromatic breading to other favorites like herb-crusted pork tenderloin and breaded turkey tenderloins. It’s a consistently winning formula that we’re confident your entire family will adore.

How do we know it’s such a crowd-pleaser? This recipe consistently ranked as a top favorite at our former Make Ahead Meal Kitchens. Customers couldn’t stop raving about its taste and simplicity, often returning for more. It presents a wonderful, budget-friendly alternative to similar chicken dishes found at popular eateries, like The Cheesecake Factory or Texas Roadhouse, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the need for reservations or navigating crowded dining rooms.

For those looking to simplify their meal prep, we highly recommend making this Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken in advance. This approach ensures you have more time to relax and enjoy gatherings with family and friends before dinner even begins. While you’re at it, consider preparing a larger batch and freezing a few servings for future enjoyment – we’ll guide you through the simple steps to do so!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Beyond its delicious taste, this Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken offers numerous reasons to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Crispy & Juicy Perfection: The panko breading provides an unbeatable crunch, while the cooking method ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender.
• Family Favorite: It’s a dish universally loved by adults and children alike, guaranteed to receive rave reviews at your dinner table.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize the herbs or make dietary adjustments without compromising on flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance or freeze portions for quick, stress-free meals later on.
• Budget-Conscious: Enjoy restaurant-quality chicken at a fraction of the cost.

Essential Ingredients for Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken

Crafting this flavorful chicken dish requires a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect Parmesan and herb crust, along with tips for best results:

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice whenever possible. Its bright, zesty notes cut through the richness of the cheese and mustard, adding a vibrant tang to the sauce. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh provides superior flavor without any added preservatives.
• Dijon Mustard: This key ingredient forms the backbone of our zippy sauce. Made with brown mustard seeds and white wine, Dijon mustard offers a sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with chicken and provides an excellent binder for the breading. We recommend sticking with Dijon for this recipe to achieve the intended depth of flavor.
• Black Pepper: A simple seasoning added to the mustard sauce, black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper will always deliver the most aromatic results.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to an extra-crispy crust! Panko breadcrumbs are lighter, flakier, and absorb less oil than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in an incredibly crunchy texture. We typically use unseasoned panko, allowing the fresh herbs to shine. However, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs can also be used if their flavor profile complements the other ingredients you’re using. While plain or seasoned traditional breadcrumbs will work, they won’t achieve the same signature crispiness of panko.
• Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth to the crust. For the best flavor and melt, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block rather than pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Olive Oil: Incorporated into the breading mixture, olive oil helps to bind the crumbs together and ensures an even, golden-brown crispness as the chicken bakes. A good quality extra virgin olive oil will also add a subtle fruity note.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil, and Thyme): These fresh chopped herbs are crucial for both the exquisite flavor and the beautiful presentation of this dish. The combination of parsley’s freshness, basil’s sweet and peppery notes, and thyme’s earthy aroma creates a harmonious blend. While fresh herbs are highly recommended for their vibrant taste and visual appeal, dried herbs can be used as a substitute. If using dried, remember that they are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to tailor the taste to your preference. Even without herbs, this dish would be delicious, but then you’d have to call it something else entirely!
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The ideal protein for this recipe. For quicker and more even cooking, we recommend pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness, about ½ to ¾ inch. Alternatively, pre-cut chicken cutlets work perfectly and save prep time.

For the precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Step-by-Step Directions to Master Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken

Achieving perfectly juicy chicken with a golden, crispy herb crust is simpler than you think. Follow these clear instructions to bake this delightful dish in your oven:

1. Prepare the Zesty Mustard Sauce.

In a small, shallow bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a dash of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly blended. This vibrant sauce serves two critical purposes: a small portion will be integrated into the breading mixture to enhance flavor and moisture, while the majority will be brushed over the chicken breasts, acting as a crucial adhesive for the herb crust. Ensure you set aside the main bowl of mustard sauce after mixing; only a couple of tablespoons are needed for the breading in the next step. The remaining sauce is vital for coating the chicken later, ensuring the breading adheres beautifully and infuses flavor.

2. Create the Aromatic Parmesan Herb Breading.

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and your freshly chopped herbs (parsley, basil, and thyme). Now, here’s a crucial step to avoid a soggy breading: spoon precisely two tablespoons of the mustard sauce you prepared earlier into this breading mixture. You will still have a good amount of mustard sauce left in the first bowl—remember to save it for the chicken coating! Use a fork to gently mix all the breading ingredients together. The goal is to achieve a moist, crumbly texture, not a wet paste. It should be just slightly damp enough to clump together when pressed, but without forming large, heavy clods. This consistency ensures a light, crispy crust when baked.

3. Coat the Chicken with Sauce and Apply the Herb Breading.

Arrange your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Take the remaining mustard sauce from the first bowl and generously spoon about one tablespoon over the top surface of each chicken breast. Using a basting brush or the back of a spoon, spread the sauce evenly to coat the entire top surface. There’s no need to coat the bottom of the chicken. Next, take handfuls of your prepared Parmesan herb breading and lightly press it over the sauce-coated chicken breasts with your fingertips. Ensure an even layer that is neither too thick nor too thin, covering the entire top surface. This gentle pressing motion helps the breading adhere securely, promising a consistently crispy crust.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection.

Place the baking dish with the herb-encrusted chicken into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top crust is beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a reliable meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked through, resulting in wonderfully juicy and tender breasts without overcooking. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and your oven’s calibration. Once baked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Creative Variations for Your Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken

This Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy adaptations to suit various dietary needs or simply to explore new flavor profiles:

• Boost the Health Factor: For an even healthier twist, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with whole wheat panko. This adds a touch more fiber without compromising on the delightful crispiness.
• Go Low-Carb: To reduce the carbohydrate count, you have a couple of options. You can halve the amount of Panko breadcrumbs used, or for a virtually carb-free crust, replace them entirely with finely crushed pork rinds or a specialized carb-free breadcrumb alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Making this dish gluten-free is simple. Just swap out traditional panko breadcrumbs for your favorite brand of gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture will remain beautifully crisp and delicious.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: For those avoiding dairy, omit the Parmesan cheese. You can substitute it with a plant-based dairy-free Parmesan alternative, or use nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy, umami flavor. We’ve successfully made it this way for family members, and it received enthusiastic approval!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for a subtle kick of heat.
• Different Herbs: While parsley, basil, and thyme are classic, feel free to experiment. Rosemary and oregano can add a more robust, earthy flavor, while chives could provide a milder, oniony note.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have Parmesan, finely grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese can offer a similar savory profile.

What to Serve with Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken is a versatile main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light and balanced meal, consider serving it with crispy roasted green beans and a creamy cauliflower mash. Other excellent companions include a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, lemon-garlic broccoli, or a simple side of quinoa or rice. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with roasted potatoes or a cheesy polenta. The crispness of the chicken also complements creamy sauces, though it’s flavorful enough to stand on its own.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Convenience

One of the many benefits of this Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken recipe is how well it stores and can be prepared in advance. These tips will help you enjoy this delicious dish with minimal effort, whenever the craving strikes:

• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispy texture when reheating, it’s best to warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated through, rather than using a microwave which can make the crust soggy.
• Make it Ahead and Freeze for Later: This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, but do not cook it. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a freezer-safe pan or baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For optimal quality, consume within 2 months of freezing. When you’re ready to cook, transfer the frozen chicken to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Once thawed, remove the coverings and bake according to the instructions in the recipe card, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Portion Control and Batch Cooking: The ingredients in this recipe are typically sufficient to cover about 6 chicken breasts, each weighing around 4 ounces. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can easily halve the recipe ingredients. Alternatively, prepare the full recipe and freeze the extra portions as described above. This is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a quick, healthy, and delicious meal ready when time is short.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Crust and Juicy Chicken

• Pound Chicken Evenly: For uniform cooking, place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about ½ to ¾ inch thick. This ensures every piece cooks at the same rate and stays juicy.
• Don’t Skip the Dijon: The mustard sauce isn’t just for flavor; it acts as an essential binder, helping the panko and Parmesan adhere beautifully to the chicken.
• Achieve Crispy Breading: Ensure your oven is fully preheated. The high heat helps the panko crisp up quickly. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, as this can steam the chicken rather than bake it, resulting in a less crispy crust.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.
• Rest the Chicken: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can be used, fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor and aroma, significantly enhancing the overall dish.

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📋 Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe

Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe

Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken is a remarkably juicy and delicious dish, featuring a crispy panko, Parmesan cheese, and herb breading that bakes perfectly in the oven. This easy recipe is ideal for everyday weeknight dinners and elegant enough for any special occasion.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 5 votes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

This recipe was originally posted on May 21, 2013, and has been updated to enhance the reader experience and provide more detailed instructions.