Description
Crunchy Parmesan Garlic Chicken delivers a crispy, flavor-packed dinner that turns your weeknight meal into something special. Grab some chicken, coat it with a zesty parmesan and garlic mixture, and bake until golden and deliciously crunchy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts
Breading and Cheese:
- ½ cup whole wheat panko crumbs
- ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fire up your oven to a precise 400°F, ensuring your rack sits in the middle position for even cooking.
- Drench each chicken breast completely in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, coating every surface thoroughly.
- Create shallow diagonal cuts across the top of each chicken breast, then nestle 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic into those slits.
- Combine ½ cup whole wheat panko crumbs and ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese in a wide, shallow mixing bowl.
- Roll each oil-coated chicken breast through the panko-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely.
- Transfer breaded chicken into a lightly greased baking dish, arranging pieces so they do not touch each other.
- Dust the tops with a light sprinkle of black pepper for an extra flavor boost.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes at 400°F.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer – you want 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.
- If chicken needs more time, continue baking in 5-minute increments until no pink remains and juices run clear.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create thin pockets for maximum garlic flavor and even cooking.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for a more robust taste and better coating adherence on the chicken.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees for safe consumption.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a similar crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 36 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg