Description
This Panko Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-baked chicken cutlets coated in a flavorful mixture of toasted panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. With a perfectly seasoned crust and tender inside, this dish is quick to prepare and makes a delicious, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
For the Panko Coating
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley or Italian seasoning
For the Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts (butterflied and halved to thin cutlets)
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Squeeze of lemon for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking pan or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for easy cleanup.
- Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring often, until they turn golden brown. Transfer the toasted panko to a shallow bowl and let cool for a few minutes.
- Combine Coating Ingredients: Once the panko is cool, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley or Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the two eggs to prepare for dredging the chicken.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small ramekin or bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a flavorful chicken seasoning mix.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally (butterfly style) to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides of each cutlet thoroughly with the seasoning mix.
- Dredge Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the beaten eggs, coating both sides evenly.
- Coat with Panko Mixture: Immediately press the egg-coated chicken cutlet into the Parmesan panko mixture, ensuring it is completely and evenly covered for a crispy crust. Repeat with all cutlets.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken cutlets in a single layer on the prepared baking pan, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary based on cutlet thickness.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle with fresh squeezed lemon juice for added brightness. Serve and enjoy your crispy, flavorful panko chicken!
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- To add extra flavor, you can mix a little grated lemon zest into the panko coating.
- Leftover panko chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American