Parmesan Basil Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using fresh ingredients in this recipe. The chicken breasts are the perfect protein. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty flavor. Breadcrumbs give the chicken a nice crunch. Fresh basil brings a bright taste that makes every bite special. Garlic adds depth and warmth to the dish. For seasoning, I use salt, pepper, and paprika. These spices enhance the flavor without overpowering it. They help create a perfect balance in each bite. The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken brown nicely. For garnish, I recommend using fresh basil leaves. They not only look great but also boost the flavor. This combination of ingredients makes Parmesan Basil Chicken both savory and easy to prepare. Each item plays a role in creating a dish that is sure to impress. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven Start by turning your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Mixing dry ingredients In a bowl, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh basil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Mix these ingredients well. 1. Egg mixture preparation In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until they are smooth and well combined. This mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick. 2. Coat chicken with breadcrumb mixture Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. 1. Searing the chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. 2. Baking instructions After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat. To ensure an even coating on chicken, you need to be careful. First, dip the chicken in the egg mixture. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. This helps the crumbs stick well. For golden-brown chicken, heat your skillet before adding the chicken. Use medium heat and add olive oil. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. This creates a nice crust. For presentation ideas, serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach. It adds color and flavor. You can also use a bright arugula salad. Drizzle balsamic reduction on top for a fancy touch. Pair this dish with simple sides. Roasted veggies or a light salad work well. You can also serve it with pasta for a heartier meal. If your chicken is overcooked, don’t worry. Slice it thinly and serve it with a sauce. A creamy sauce can add moisture and flavor. For uneven coating, try a different method. Use one hand for the wet mix and the other for the dry. This keeps things clean and helps with even coverage. If crumbs fall off, press them back on before cooking. Pro Tips Perfectly Coat: Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly to ensure a thick, even coating that stays in place during cooking. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking; this helps retain juices and enhances flavor. Herb Variations: Feel free to mix in other herbs like parsley or oregano for different flavor profiles and freshness. Make Ahead: Prep the chicken and breadcrumb mixture in advance, then store in the fridge for a quick dinner option on busy nights. {{image_2}} If you need gluten-free options, use crushed rice cakes or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. These work well to create that crispy texture. For a dairy-free choice, try nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese. Both options can give you a savory taste without dairy. You can add sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, tangy flavor. They pair great with the chicken and basil. Mozzarella can also enhance the dish. Just sprinkle it on top before baking for a cheesy finish. If you like spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This will give the dish a nice kick. Air frying is a great option for a crispy outside with less oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. This gives it a nice smoky flavor and great grill marks. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and moist. I recommend glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. These are great for quick access and easy reheating. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy. To freeze, wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave it on a low setting until warm. In the fridge, Parmesan Basil Chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within 2 to 3 months. This keeps the flavor and texture at their best. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in color, before eating. You can make Parmesan Basil Chicken healthier by using a few simple tips. First, swap regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat or almond flour. This change reduces empty carbs. Next, use less oil during cooking. A light spray of cooking oil can help cut fat. Choose skinless chicken breasts to avoid extra fat. Lastly, serve with a side of veggies. This adds nutrients without many calories. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. When using thighs, cook them for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Adjust the cooking time since thighs may take longer than breasts. Several side dishes pair well with Parmesan Basil Chicken. Here are some popular options: - Sautéed spinach - Garlic mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - A fresh arugula salad - Quinoa or brown rice These options add color and nutrition to your meal. This blog post covered all you need for Parmesan Basil Chicken. You learned about key ingredients, from chicken to seasonings, and how to coat and cook it. I shared tips for a perfect finish and ideas for variations. I hope these tips help you create a delicious meal at home. Enjoy your cooking, and don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and methods. Your kitchen adventures will be exciting and tasty!$

A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
pieces fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika together.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or a vibrant arugula salad, drizzled with a balsamic reduction for an elegant touch.

Keyword basil, chicken, dinner, Parmesan