Here's a classic recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken that yields crispy and flavorful chicken breasts:
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (you can also use other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko work well)
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
**Additional ingredients for variations:**
* Spicy Garlic Parmesan: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture
* Lemon Garlic Parmesan: Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the garlic mixture
* Bacon Garlic Parmesan: Add 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the breadcrumb mixture
* Balsamic Garlic Parmesan: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking
**Cooking steps:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the garlic mixture:** In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. **Prepare the breadcrumb mixture:** In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, olive oil, and softened butter.
4. **Prepare the chicken:** Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
5. **Coat the chicken:** Dip each chicken breast in the garlic mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then, dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
6. **Cook the chicken:** Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. **Broil for extra crunch:** If desired, increase the oven temperature to broil (high) and cook the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
8. **Serve:** Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
**Tips for achieving the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken:**
* **Don't overcrowd the baking sheet:** Cook the chicken breasts in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough space to cook evenly.
* **Monitor the temperature:** Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
* **Don't overbread the chicken:** Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with breadcrumbs, but avoid over-breading, which can make the chicken feel heavy and soggy.
* **Add flavor with aromatics:** Place a slice of lemon, a clove of garlic, or a sprig of rosemary on the baking sheet with the chicken to add extra flavor during cooking.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like any variations on the recipe.
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