Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is loaded with flavor and features a golden, cheesy crust that perfectly complements juicy chicken breasts. It’s an indulgent dish that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Marinade (or use Italian Salad Dressing as a shortcut):
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- For the Parmesan Crust:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped into bits
- 1/2 cup Provolone cheese, chopped into bits
- 6 tablespoons Buttermilk Ranch dressing (or regular Ranch)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a freezer bag and pound them to about 1/2 inch thick using a meat tenderizer.
- Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add the marinade to a new freezer bag with the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. A cast iron skillet works best for a good sear.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken around to ensure a nice sear.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean skillet or baking sheet and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Parmesan Crust:
- Preheat your oven to a low broil (450°F).
- In a bowl, combine the Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each interval, until the cheese mixture is mostly melted (a slightly lumpy texture is fine).
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs. Spoon this mixture on top of the cheese layer on each chicken breast.
- Broil the Chicken:
- Place the chicken under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the crust is crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot, alongside mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
For a baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the marinated chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, before adding the Parmesan crust and broiling.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-searing and broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg