Discover this incredible Crispy Baked Chicken with Mayo-Parmesan Crust recipe from www.podiumrecipes.com. This easy recipe creates perfectly crispy crust baked chicken with mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese for a homemade weeknight dinner that’s both quick and delicious.
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Crispy Baked Chicken with Mayo‑Parmesan Crust
Are you tired of dry, boring baked chicken that lacks flavor and excitement? This Crispy Baked Chicken with Mayo-Parmesan Crust will completely revolutionize your approach to weeknight dinner preparation. This easy recipe creates the most incredibly juicy chicken with a golden, crispy crust that rivals any restaurant dish, all while being simple enough for busy weeknights.
What makes this baked chicken absolutely extraordinary is the ingenious combination of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese that creates an incredibly crispy crust while keeping the chicken incredibly moist inside. The mayonnaise acts as a perfect binding agent that helps create the ultimate herb crust, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor that elevates this family favorite to new heights.
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy families who want a satisfying weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when you need something both easy and impressive. Plus, the crispy crust technique ensures your baked chicken never turns out dry or bland again.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Mayo-Parmesan Crust:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Herb Crust Enhancement:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup additional Parmesan cheese for topping
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (serves 6):
- Calories: 345
- Protein: 42g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 725mg
- Calories from fat: 144
- Protein percentage: 49%
- Carbs percentage: 7%
This Crispy Baked Chicken recipe provides an excellent source of high-quality protein while keeping carbs low, making it perfect for various dietary preferences. The protein content helps create a satisfying meal that keeps you full, while the moderate calories make it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board. If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and helps create the perfect juicy chicken texture.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the crispy crust mixture. This step is crucial for achieving evenly seasoned baked chicken.
Step 3: Create the Mayo-Parmesan Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, thyme, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The mayonnaise should coat everything and create a spreadable herb crust mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a large baking sheet or 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier for your one-pan meal.
Step 5: Apply the Crust
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Using a spoon or your hands, spread the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure to coat the entire surface for the best crispy crust results.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Drizzle the olive oil over the coated chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest, fresh chives, and the additional Parmesan cheese. This creates extra layers of flavor and helps achieve that golden, crispy crust that makes this recipe so special.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese will create a beautiful golden color and incredible texture that makes this baked chicken irresistible.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your juicy chicken stays moist and flavorful. The herb crust will maintain its crispiness during this resting period.
Serving Suggestions
This Crispy Baked Chicken with Mayo-Parmesan Crust is incredibly versatile and works beautifully as the centerpiece of various meals. As a weeknight dinner, serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The one-pan meal concept makes it perfect for busy evenings when you want minimal cleanup.
For family favorite gatherings, this baked chicken pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or rice pilaf. The crispy crust and herb flavors complement a wide variety of side dishes, making it easy to create a memorable dinner that everyone will love.
This recipe also works excellently for meal prep. Slice the cooled chicken and use it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps throughout the week. The crispy crust maintains its texture even when reheated, making it a practical choice for advance preparation.
Pro Tips
Here are essential tips to help you create the perfect Crispy Baked Chicken with Mayo-Parmesan Crust:
Use room temperature chicken: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve perfectly juicy chicken results.
Don’t skip the mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is crucial for creating the crispy crust while keeping the chicken moist. It acts as a barrier that prevents the chicken from drying out during baking.
Grate your own Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and creates a superior crust compared to pre-grated varieties. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final recipe results.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensure your baked chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. This easy step guarantees perfectly cooked juicy chicken every time.
Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the herb crust crispy while ensuring maximum flavor.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and there are many ways to create your own variation:
Herb Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and sage, or try Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil. Each herb crust variation creates unique flavor profiles while maintaining the crispy texture.
Spicy Alternative: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeño powder to the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick. This alternative adds heat while preserving the crispy crust that makes this recipe so appealing.
Lemon-Herb Variation: Increase the lemon zest and add fresh lemon juice to the mayonnaise mixture. This bright variation is perfect for spring and summer weeknight dinners.
Garlic Lover’s Alternative: Double the garlic in the crust mixture and add roasted garlic to the mayonnaise for an intense garlic flavor. This alternative is perfect for garlic enthusiasts.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This alternative maintains the crispy crust while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe. Increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes and ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature. The crispy crust works beautifully on thighs.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: You can prepare the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Apply the crust to the chicken just before baking for the best crispy results.
Q: What if I don’t have mayonnaise? A: While mayonnaise is crucial for the authentic crispy crust, you can substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with a little olive oil. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still create a delicious baked chicken.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover baked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes! Freeze the cooked baked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven to restore the crispy texture. The recipe freezes beautifully.
Conclusion
This Crispy Baked Chicken with Mayo-Parmesan Crust recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite in your recipe collection. The ingenious combination of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese creates an incredibly crispy crust while ensuring the chicken stays perfectly juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
The beauty of this one-pan meal lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary. The herb crust technique not only creates incredible flavor but also ensures your baked chicken never turns out dry or boring. With its excellent protein content and moderate calories, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious for the whole family.
We encourage you to try this Crispy Baked Chicken with Mayo-Parmesan Crust recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different herb combinations and variations to suit your taste preferences. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative modifications you discover.
For more incredible recipes like this one, visit www.podiumrecipes.com, where you’ll find hundreds of easy and delicious recipes to elevate your cooking. From weeknight dinners to family favorites, we have everything you need to create memorable meals for your loved ones. Try this recipe today and discover why www.podiumrecipes.com is your go-to source for exceptional homemade recipes that bring families together around the dinner table.
