Zesty Baked Parmesan Chicken
Are you ready for a dish that combines simplicity and flavor in a delightful, easy-to-make recipe? This Zesty Baked Parmesan Chicken is exactly what you need! Whether you’re using skinless chicken breasts or thighs, this recipe delivers succulent chicken with a crispy, golden crust that’s bound to please everyone at the table. The beauty of this dish lies in its quick preparation and bake time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) of ranch or Italian salad dressing mix
- 6 skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and achieves that delightful crispy texture.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese with the ranch or Italian salad dressing mix. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
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Moisten the Chicken: Pour the milk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, allowing any excess to drip off. This step helps the cheese mixture adhere to the chicken.
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Coat the Chicken: After dipping the chicken in milk, coat it generously with the Parmesan cheese mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated for that flavorful crust.
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Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish. Make sure they are spaced evenly to allow for proper cooking and crisping.
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Bake the Chicken: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the coating should be golden brown.
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Optional Crisping: For an extra touch of crispiness, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2 to 4 minutes of baking. Watch the chicken closely to prevent burning, and broil until the coating is a perfect golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender.
This recipe yields enough to serve about 6 people, depending on portion sizes, and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or your favorite roasted vegetables. Enjoy the burst of flavor and the easy cleanup—this is a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 131
- Fat: 5.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 67.5 mg
- Sodium: 196.7 mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Protein: 17.4 g
Whether you’re a fan of chicken thighs or breasts, this Zesty Baked Parmesan Chicken will bring a savory and satisfying dish to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for any night of the week, it’s a dish that balances simplicity with deliciousness.
