Crispy oven-baked chicken with parmesan and breadcrumbs

Crispy Oven Chicken with Parmesan and Breadcrumbs - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe that will impress family or friends, this crispy oven chicken with parmesan and breadcrumbs is the perfect choice. With a golden and crunchy crust, the dish is not only attractive but also extremely flavorful.

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast (preferably from free-range birds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (you can also use smoked paprika for a more intense flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g breadcrumbs (you can opt for whole grain breadcrumbs for a healthier version)
- 50 g grated parmesan (or another type of hard cheese, like grana padano)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., oregano or basil)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast into equal-sized pieces so they cook evenly. You can choose cubes, strips, or even medallions, depending on your preference.

2. Marinating: In a deep plate, mix the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and toss them until fully coated. This step is essential for giving the chicken a rich and aromatic flavor.

3. Preparing the crust: In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan and dried herbs. This crust will add not only delicious flavor but also a crunchy texture that makes a difference.

4. Coating the chicken: Take each piece of chicken from the marinade and roll it in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, ensuring that each piece is well coated. This step will ensure an even and crispy crust.

5. Baking: Place the chicken pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them for even cooking. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You can check the doneness using a meat thermometer, which should read 75°C inside the chicken.

6. Serving: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain its juiciness. You can serve it with a fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad or with grilled vegetable sides.

Practical tips:
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace the breadcrumbs with ground oats or ground almonds.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can also add garlic powder or onion powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- This crispy oven chicken is also an excellent option for meal prep; you can keep it in the fridge and reheat it the next day.

Enjoy this simple and tasty recipe for crispy oven chicken with parmesan and breadcrumbs, which will surely become your favorite for quick dinners!