Baked Paprika Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight
Craving a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful? Look no further than this baked paprika parmesan chicken recipe! This recipe delivers incredibly crispy chicken without the hassle of deep-frying. The combination of paprika, parmesan, and other seasonings creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Crispy Perfection:** Baking the chicken with a parmesan and breadcrumb coating ensures a crispy and golden-brown exterior, similar to fried chicken, but without all the extra oil.
* **Flavorful and Savory:** The paprika, parmesan, garlic powder, and other spices create a complex and delicious flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly smoky.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and is straightforward to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Serve this chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the crispy texture and flavorful taste of this baked chicken.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. About 2-3 medium-sized chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds) should suffice for 4 servings. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded parmesan may contain cellulose, which can hinder the crisping process.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for coating the chicken. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture may not be as crispy.
* **Sweet Paprika:** Sweet paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken. You can also use smoked paprika for a more intense smoky flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the chicken.
* **Onion Powder:** Onion powder complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** Dried oregano provides a subtle earthy and herbaceous note.
* **Dried Basil:** Dried basil adds a touch of sweetness and aroma to the chicken.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the other flavors.
* **Eggs:** Eggs act as a binder, helping the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** A light coating of all-purpose flour helps the egg wash stick to the chicken.
* **Olive Oil or Cooking Spray:** Olive oil or cooking spray is used to grease the baking sheet and prevent the chicken from sticking.
**Exact Measurements:**
* 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
* 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Baking sheet
* Shallow dishes or bowls (3)
* Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Tongs
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with the recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly baked paprika parmesan chicken:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Pound the Chicken (Optional):** Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. If your chicken breasts are already thin, you can skip this step.
2. **Dry the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the flour adhere better.
**Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station**
1. **Flour Station:** In the first shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
2. **Egg Station:** In the second shallow dish, whisk the eggs with a fork until well combined.
3. **Parmesan-Breadcrumb Station:** In the third shallow dish, combine the grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
**Step 3: Bread the Chicken**
1. **Dredge in Flour:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
2. **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured chicken breast into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
3. **Coat with Parmesan-Breadcrumb Mixture:** Press the chicken breast into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Press firmly to help the coating adhere.
**Step 4: Bake the Chicken**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.
3. **Arrange Chicken:** Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
4. **Drizzle with Olive Oil (Optional):** For extra crispiness, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the breaded chicken.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
1. **Rest:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. **Serve:** Serve the baked paprika parmesan chicken hot with your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
## Tips for the Best Baked Paprika Parmesan Chicken
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in a less crispy coating. If necessary, bake the chicken in batches.
* **Use Freshly Grated Parmesan:** Freshly grated parmesan cheese has a better flavor and texture than pre-shredded parmesan. It also melts and crisps up more evenly.
* **Don’t Skip the Pounding Step:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and prevents it from drying out. It also helps the breading adhere better.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding the bone.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your oven. Check the chicken frequently and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):** If you want an even crispier coating, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to prevent the breading from burning.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
* **Experiment with Different Spices:** Feel free to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of the chicken. Some other spices that would work well include smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour.
## Serving Suggestions
This baked paprika parmesan chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with baked chicken.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Pasta:** Serve the chicken with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, tossed with marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or a garden salad, provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Rice:** Fluffy rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice, is another great option.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sautéed green beans are a simple and healthy side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a delicious summer side dish.
* **Mac and Cheese:** Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish.
## Variations
* **Chicken Thighs:** Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer and more flavorful dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as chicken thighs typically take longer to cook.
* **Spicy Chicken:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Herb Chicken:** Add lemon zest and fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, to the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for a bright and flavorful variation.
* **Italian Chicken:** Use Italian seasoning instead of oregano and basil for a more traditional Italian flavor.
* **Honey Mustard Chicken:** Serve the baked chicken with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and bake it later. Here’s how:
1. **Bread the Chicken:** Follow the instructions for breading the chicken.
2. **Refrigerate:** Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the coating may not be as crispy.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 3 servings):
* Calories: Approximately 400-450
* Protein: 40-45 grams
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
This baked paprika parmesan chicken recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The crispy coating and tender chicken will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with friends and family. Happy cooking!