Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly golden, crispy chicken breast that's packed with Italian-inspired flavors, where every bite promises a symphony of Parmesan, garlic, and fresh basil. This Parmesan Crusted Bruschetta Chicken isn't just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform coating mixture.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better.
- Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast, ensuring both sides are lightly coated. This helps the breadcrumb mixture stick and promotes even browning.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating on all sides of the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve with a side of bruschetta topping or a fresh tomato salsa for added flavor.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure the breadcrumb mixture adheres perfectly and creates a crispy exterior.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for maximum flavor and better coating consistency.
- For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Invest in a good meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is cooked to the perfect 165°F without drying out.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking – this crucial step helps retain moisture and ensures each bite is tender and juicy.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or thyme to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 441kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
