Cheesy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breasts

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🧀🍗 Cheesy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breasts 🍗🧀

🌟 Introduction

This Cheesy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and creamy. Golden chicken breasts are coated with seasoned crumbs and Parmesan, baked to perfection, then topped with melted cheese that creates an irresistible finish. It’s an easy yet elegant dish—ideal for family dinners, guests, or comfort food lovers.

🕰️ History

Parmesan-crusted chicken is inspired by Italian-American cuisine, where cheese, breadcrumbs, and baked meats are staples. While traditional Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana use tomato sauce, modern baked versions focus on cheese crusts and oven-baking, making them lighter and quicker while keeping bold flavor.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs (beaten)

For the Cheese Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions (Step by Step)

  1. Prepare the Oven
    • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
    • Lightly grease a baking tray.
  2. Prepare the Coating
    • In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken
    • Dip chicken breasts into beaten eggs.
    • Coat well in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Bake
    • Place chicken on the tray.
    • Bake for 25 minutes until golden.
  5. Add Cheese
    • Remove tray, top each breast with mozzarella.
    • Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
  6. Finish
    • Brush lightly with melted butter.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

🔥 Cooking Methods

  • Oven-Baked – healthiest and crispiest
  • Air Fryer – faster, very crunchy
  • Pan-Seared + Oven Finish – restaurant style
  • Grill Finish – smoky flavor lovers

🧠 Benefits

  • High in protein for muscle health
  • Calcium from cheese for strong bones
  • Baked method reduces excess oil
  • Keeps you full longer

🧪 Formation & Texture

  • Outside: Golden, crunchy Parmesan crust
  • Inside: Tender, juicy chicken
  • Top: Creamy, stretchy melted cheese

A perfect balance of crunch and softness.

❤️ For Lovers of This Dish

Try these variations:

  • Add chili flakes for heat
  • Use cheddar or provolone
  • Add spinach or mushrooms under the cheese
  • Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or salad

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Calcium: High

🏁 Conclusion

Cheesy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is a dish that satisfies comfort cravings while remaining simple and nutritious. It’s crispy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

💕 Final Words for Lovers

If you love cheese, chicken, and crunchy textures, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s adaptable, family-friendly, and always impressive.

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