Crispy Garlic Parmesan Oven Chicken (Print version)

Juicy oven-baked chicken cutlets with a crisp garlic Parmesan panko crust and simple pantry seasoning.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 4 cutlets
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 tablespoon water

For the garlic Parmesan crust

07 - 1 1/2 cups (85 g) panko breadcrumbs
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
10 - 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
12 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly grease the rack.
02 - Slice large chicken breasts into thin cutlets if needed, then pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
03 - Warm olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add panko and stir for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden, then transfer to a shallow dish to cool slightly.
04 - Stir Parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and parsley into the toasted panko.
05 - Place flour in one shallow dish. Beat eggs with water in a second dish. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko mixture until well coated.
06 - Arrange chicken on the prepared rack. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
07 - Rest the chicken for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with extra parsley and serve while the crust is crisp.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after baking for the crispest crust.
02 - Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken.
03 - Let breaded cutlets sit for 5 minutes before baking if time allows.