Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. Forget dry, bland chicken forever. We’re sharing the secret to an unbelievably juicy chicken breast with a perfectly golden, ultra-crispy cheese and breadcrumb coating. This dish is packed with savory flavor, comes together in under an hour, and is guaranteed to have the whole family asking for seconds. It’s the kind of simple, elegant meal that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but is easy enough for any busy Tuesday.
What makes this recipe stand out is the simple but magical creamy base that coats the chicken. It ensures the parmesan and panko crust sticks perfectly while locking in moisture, resulting in the most tender baked chicken you’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner, this is it.
Perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender on the inside every single time.
Why This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a Weeknight Winner
When it comes to dinner, you want something that’s both delicious and straightforward. This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken checks every box.
Incredibly Juicy: The creamy mayonnaise and sour cream base is the key. It tenderizes the chicken and keeps it from drying out in the oven.
Perfectly Crispy: We use a combination of Panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan for a coating that bakes up into a crunchy, savory, golden-brown crust.
Packed with Flavor: A simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning infuses every bite with delicious, savory flavor that complements the nutty Parmesan perfectly.
Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a breeze to get into the oven, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this amazing dish. For the best results, always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This creamy duo creates the perfect base for our crust, adding moisture and a subtle tang.
Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, grate your own Parmesan from a block. It melts and crisps up much better than pre-shredded varieties.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, which makes for a crispier coating.
Seasonings: A simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
The secret to our extra crispy crust is the perfect blend of Panko and freshly grated Parmesan.
How to Make The Perfect Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Making this dish is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a flawless result every time.
Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to about ¾-inch thickness. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Mix the Creamy Base: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over all sides of each chicken breast.
Prepare the Crumb Coating: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: One by one, press each chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating on all sides. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest, Juiciest Results
Don’t Skip Pounding the Chicken
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is the secret to a perfect bake. It prevents the thinner parts from drying out while you wait for the thicker parts to cook through.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly and getting crispy. Grating your own from a block makes a huge difference in the final texture and flavor.
Give Them Space
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Placing the chicken breasts too close together will cause them to steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy crust. Make sure there’s at least an inch of space around each piece.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This versatile Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of your favorite pasta, alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli, or with a simple green salad. For a truly comforting meal, pair it with some of our famously easy Garlic Butter Breadsticks. It’s a combination your family will love!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain that crispy crust, it’s best to use an oven or an air fryer. Simply bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
The key to crispy Parmesan crusted chicken is using Panko breadcrumbs, preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and ensuring you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp up the coating perfectly.
For this recipe, we recommend baking at 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the crust get golden and crispy quickly while ensuring the chicken inside stays moist and juicy. Always cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
This dish is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, a fresh green salad, or mashed potatoes. Our garlic butter breadsticks are also a fantastic side.
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may require a few extra minutes of cooking time, so be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm they are cooked through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the crust is crispy again.
More Delicious Chicken Dinners To Try
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other favorite chicken dishes. Try this incredibly rich and Creamy Garlic Chicken for another easy weeknight meal, or learn how to make the most perfectly simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breast for meal prepping.
The Best Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
FL Recipes
Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken (The Juiciest, Crispiest Recipe!)
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken features a super juicy chicken breast with a crispy, golden-brown coating of Panko and Parmesan. An easy, flavorful, and family-pleasing dinner ready in under an hour!
4boneless, skinless chicken breastsabout 6 oz each, pounded to 3/4-inch thickness
1/2cupmayonnaise
1/4cupsour cream
1tbspDijon mustard
1cupPanko breadcrumbs
3/4cupgrated Parmesan cheesefreshly grated is best
1tspgarlic powder
1tsppaprika
1tspItalian seasoning
1/2tspsaltor to taste
1/4tspblack pepperfreshly ground
Equipment
1 Baking Sheet
2 Mixing Bowls
1 Meat Mallet
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over all sides of each chicken breast.
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Press each mayonnaise-coated chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating on all sides. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Nutrition
Calories: 550kcalProtein: 45gFat: 35gFiber: 1g
Notes
For the crispiest crust, don't overcrowd the baking pan. Ensure there's at least an inch of space between each chicken breast. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you a much better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
We hope you love this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe as much as we do! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. If you make it and love it, please consider sharing it on Pinterest. We’d love to see your creations!
You won't believe how juicy and crispy this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
