# Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garlic parmesan chicken is baked chicken breast coated in garlic butter and a crispy parmesan and panko crust. It is crunchy outside, juicy inside and ready in about 40 minutes.

The butter helps the crumbs stick and brown without frying, and pounding the chicken thin means it cooks fast and stays tender. Serve it with pasta, rice or a big salad.

- Total time: 37 min (prep 15 min, cook 22 min)
- Serves: 4
- Per serving (estimated): 410 kcal, 50 g protein
- Cuisine: American. Category: Main course. Diet: high-protein.

## Ingredients

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 700 g total)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

## Method

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and set a wire rack on top if you have one.
2. Pound the chicken to an even 2 cm (3/4 inch) thickness. Pat dry and season with the salt and pepper.
3. Mix the melted butter and garlic in a shallow dish. In another dish, mix the panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and olive oil.
4. Dip each breast in the garlic butter, then press into the crumb mixture to coat the top and sides.
5. Place the breasts on the pan. Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until the crumbs are golden and a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
6. If the crumbs need more color, broil 1 minute, watching closely.
7. Rest 5 minutes so the juices settle.
8. Top with parsley and serve with pasta, rice or a green salad.

## Why it works

- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness makes it cook evenly so the crust and center finish together.
- Garlic butter helps the crumbs stick and brown in the oven without a pan fry.
- Panko is coarse and light, so it bakes up crisper than regular breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan adds salty, savory flavor and browns beautifully.
- A hot 425°F (220°C) oven crisps the crust before the chicken dries out.

## The science

- **Why panko stays crunchy.** Panko is made from crustless bread dried into large, airy flakes. The shape leaves more surface area and air pockets than fine crumbs, so it crisps quickly and absorbs less moisture, giving a lighter, crunchier coating.
- **Parmesan and umami.** Aged Parmesan is packed with glutamates, which create a savory, mouth-watering taste. As it bakes, the cheese also browns and crisps, adding a nutty, toasty flavor that fresh cheeses cannot give. A fine grate melts into the crumbs, so every bite of crust tastes cheesy.
- **Juicy breast.** Chicken breast is lean and dries out when overcooked. Even thickness, a hot oven and stopping at 165°F (74°C) keep moisture in. The crust also acts as a barrier that slows evaporation from the surface.

## Tips

- Use a wire rack so the bottom crisps too.
- Grate Parmesan finely so it sticks and melts into the crumbs.
- Do not skip the thermometer; breasts dry out in minutes.

## Mistakes to avoid

- Using wet or dripping butter makes the crust soggy, so let the extra drip off first.
- Skipping the pounding leaves thick breasts raw in the center, so even them out.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan gives a gritty crust, so grate your own.

## Variations and swaps

- Add a spoonful of marinara and mozzarella for the last 3 minutes for a parm-style bake.
- Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the crumbs.
- Use chicken thighs and bake 25 to 30 minutes to 175°F (80°C).
- Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
- Swap butter for olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free-ish coat (the Parmesan still has dairy).
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino for a sharper, saltier crust.

## Storage

Refrigerate within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes or in the air fryer to bring back the crunch, until 165°F (74°C).

## FAQ

**How do you keep garlic parmesan chicken juicy?**

Pound the chicken to an even thickness, bake at 425°F (220°C) and take it out at 165°F (74°C). Rest it for 5 minutes before slicing.

**Can I make garlic parmesan chicken in the air fryer?**

Yes. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once, until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

**What should I serve with garlic parmesan chicken?**

Pasta, roasted potatoes, green beans, broccoli or a Caesar salad all work well.

**Can I use chicken thighs?**

Yes. Bake boneless thighs for 25 to 30 minutes until 175°F (80°C). They are juicier but take longer.

**Why is my parmesan crust falling off?**

The chicken may have been wet or the butter too thin. Pat it dry first, dip in butter, and press the crumbs firmly onto the surface.

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Source: https://cookingscientist.com/recipes/garlic-parmesan-chicken (Cooking Scientist). Learn the science of cooking in the Cooking Scientist app for iPhone and iPad: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6830326846