Description
This Crispy Cheesy Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices, pan-fried to golden perfection and then baked with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously crispy and cheesy finish. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines crunchy texture with gooey cheese topping, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten egg, and the third mixing panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and first coat it evenly with flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the coating sticks firmly to the chicken.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden, crispy crust. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Arrange Chicken on Baking Sheet: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and top each with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken in the skillet; it only needs to brown before baking.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for different flavor variations.
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts briefly in buttermilk or seasoned yogurt before breading.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American