Description
Irresistible golden and crispy chicken brings a delightful crunch that elevates home cooking to restaurant-quality perfection. Succulent meat beneath a perfectly seasoned exterior promises a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
Coating Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon Dried Italian Herbs (mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for browning)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (melted)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced Tomatoes (with juices)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary canvas by heating the oven to 375F (190C). Create a non-stick surface using parchment paper or a light oil coating on a baking dish.
- Meticulously dry the chicken breasts using paper towels, then season both surfaces with salt and pepper for foundational flavor.
- Craft a crispy armor by combining panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs in a shallow vessel.
- Transform the chicken by immersing each piece in melted butter, then carefully encase it with the herbed breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a complete, adherent coating.
- Awaken the aromatics by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Elevate the sauce by introducing diced tomatoes to the garlic pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Develop a golden exterior by searing the breaded chicken in a skillet with olive oil, browning each side for 2-3 minutes until a rich, crisp crust forms.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, then lavish with the garlic-tomato sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Orchestrate the final cooking by baking for 20 minutes, confirming doneness when the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
- Achieve ultimate crispness by activating the broiler for a final 2-3 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent burning while transforming the coating to a perfect golden hue.
- Liberate the chicken from the oven, embellish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately alongside complementary accompaniments.
Notes
- Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and a consistent crispy texture.
- Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help the coating adhere better and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a more robust flavor and better coating adherence compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing to prevent steaming and maintain a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee it’s fully cooked without drying out.
- Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
- Experiment with different herb blends like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
- Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and make cutting easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg