If you're on the hunt for a dish that combines irresistible flavors with a satisfying crunch, look no further than this Crispy Herb Garlic Parmesan Chicken. It's a delightful meal that brings together the comfort of home-cooked goodness with a touch of gourmet flair.
Chicken breasts are the star of this recipe, providing a lean and juicy base for our flavors. All-purpose flour ensures the coating sticks beautifully. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper seasons the chicken right from the start. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth and savory notes. The binding magic happens with eggs, while the real flavor kick comes from Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch. Freshly chopped parsley brightens things up. Dried Italian herbs infuse a hint of Mediterranean warmth. Cooking it all in a blend of olive oil and unsalted butter, with a touch of minced garlic, brings everything together with a rich, aromatic finish.
This chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal. For something heartier, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and lemon zest.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This lets your oven get nice and hot while you prep everything else. For the coating, grab three shallow dishes or plates. In the first, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second dish, whisk up the eggs until they're nice and frothy. In the third, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and dried Italian herbs. This setup makes it easy to get a perfect coating on the chicken.
Now, take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it's well-coated. Next, dip it into the eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's well-covered. This three-step process is key to achieving that perfect crispy crust.
Heat up your olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute until it's fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Add your chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them for about 4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown. This gives the chicken a beautiful color and starts the cooking process before it hits the oven.
Transfer the browned chicken to a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. This ensures the chicken is perfectly tender inside. Serve it hot, and sprinkle some extra parsley on top if you like a bit more color and freshness.