Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Adapted from NYT Cooking (Lidey Heuck)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
- to taste kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 1/4 cup 63 g panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup 75 g grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp 15 ml fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp 30 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup 60 ml mayonnaise
- to taste lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Method
- Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken dry, then slice each breast in half horizontally to form 2 thin cutlets (4 total).
- Pound the cutlets to 1/4-inch thickness with a mallet or rolling pin. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Combine the panko, Parmesan, and parsley with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper in a large shallow bowl. Add the oil and toss until evenly coated.
- Brush each cutlet all over with about 1 tbsp mayonnaise, then dip into the panko mixture, turning and pressing gently until fully coated.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared pan and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt and serve hot or warm.
Notes
- Mayonnaise stands in for the usual flour-egg-breadcrumb dredge — it helps the panko stick and keeps the chicken moist.
- Good with a simple green salad or your favorite dipping sauce.