Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe recreates the beloved Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Noodles & Company, bringing that delicious, crispy-crusted chicken right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and satisfying enough to impress even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to experience homemade deliciousness at its finest! This recipe is a great example of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
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Create the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the beaten eggs. In the second, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
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Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the egg-coated chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook in batches.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken is fantastic on its own, served with a side salad, or paired with your favorite pasta.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Don't skip the paper towel step: Drying the chicken is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This recipe is a great addition to your collection of homemade cooking, offering a delicious and easy-to-make dish. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Enjoy this taste of Noodles & Company from the comfort of your own home!