Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This post is sponsored by the Be the Best You promotion at Publix. The opinions and text are all mine.

This easy chicken recipe is what’s for dinner. You’re going to love Parmesan Crusted Chicken. So simple but full of savory flavor. The crust is packed with parmesan, panko, and seasonings. Plus, this recipe can be cooked in the oven, in a skillet, or in an air fryer. Oh, and the entire family devours it.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken has a little secret....Mayonnaise!

Yep. Mayo.

To get all the yummy parmesan cheese to stick to the chicken we used mayonnaise. It is the perfect binder and helps keep the chicken juicy and tender on the inside.

But not just any mayo will do. For our recipe we used Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayonnaise. Made with a hint of lime and black pepper, this zippy mayo adds so much flavor to our chicken. Plus, it is dairy free and gluten free.

p.s. Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo is also certified Paleo and Keto by itself, and is a tasty addition to sandwiches, dressings, and more.

We found everything we needed during the Best the Best You promotion at Publix. Save big on a wide range of products to help you through 2/20/2021. Click here for over $100 in savings, recipes + more.

You can also find the Promo flyer near the Publix store entrance or ask customer service for a copy.

Ingredients Needed to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• Chicken breasts or cutlets
• Salt + pepper
• Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese - Get good quality SHREDDED parm. Don't use the grated powder for this recipe.
• Panko bread crumbs - You can use regular bread crumbs if you'd like, but I prefer panko. It gives you a crispier breading.
• Italian herbs - Dry seasoning is fine.
• Garlic powder

We picked up a package of chicken breast cutlets that were just the right size that were on special at our local Publix. You can also use small chicken breasts, but I suggest pounding them out until they are an even thickness. This promotes faster, more even cooking.

If you have large chicken breasts, use a knife and cut the chicken in half lengthwise, as if you are "filleting" them.

The flavor and consistency of the Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo makes the perfect coating for the cheese and crumbs to cling to. Plus, the zesty flavor tastes amazing in the end result.

TIP: If you can, grab a good quality Parmesan from the Publix dairy and shred it yourself. If not, pre-shredded will do the trick. Just do not get the grated powder parm for this.

How to Bake Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the Oven:

We baked our Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the oven because it saves a lot of effort — and possibly time. You can cook them all at once and not worry about flipping. Following these instructions, we will also provide cooking instructions for pan frying and air frying.

1. First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Generously spray a baking rack with non-stick spray.
2. Next, if you are working with whole chicken breasts, cut them in half lengthwise to make smaller cutlets. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken with half of the salt and pepper.
3. Spoon the Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo into a shallow dish.
4. In another shallow dish, combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper.
5. Using tongs or your hands, dredge each chicken cutlet first in the mayonnaise. Be sure to coat well.
6. Then coat both sides of the mayo-coated chicken in the parmesan mixture. Use your hands to gently press the cheese – crumbs into the chicken. Repeat until all pieces are coated.
7. Next, arrange the chicken on the prepared baking rack, leaving space between the pieces.
8. Place in the center oven rack and bake for 20 minutes. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

I used a baking rack (cookie cooling rack) to promote air flow so the chicken would cook evenly on both sides. You can cook it directly on a baking pan or casserole dish, just grease the pan first.

TIP: If needed, you can pop the chicken under the broiler to finish browning. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.

How to Fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken in a Skillet:

1. Follow Steps 1 - 6 above.
2. In a non-stick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium-high heat. When hot, carefully add one or two pieces of the chicken.
3. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will "sweat" and the crust will not brown properly. Cook without touching for about 4 minutes. This gives the crust time to sear and brown.
4. Carefully flip using tongs and cook on the remaining side until done and juices run clear, about 3 minutes.
5. Repeat with the rest of the chicken cutlets.

TIP: Cooking time will vary slightly based on the heat of your oven, how it cooks, the type of pan used, and the thickness of your chicken. Adjust your stove temperature accordingly. When in doubt, cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Just don't overcook it or else the chicken will be dry.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an Air Fryer:

1. First, heat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the basket lightly with non-stick spray or oil.
2. Follow Steps 1 - 6 above.
3. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer with a little space between.
4. Bake in the air fryer for 5 minutes, flip, and bake another 5 minutes.
5. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces in batches.
6. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking time will vary a bit based on the thickness of the chicken and how your air fryer cooks. If you are experienced with using your air fryer, you probably have a good idea. If not, cook to an internal temp of 165 degrees.

I prefer to cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the oven because it cooks all of the pieces at one time without any excess oil. Plus I don't have to bother with flipping them.

There are pros and cons to each cooking method, but the end result will always be delicious!

Make it Low-Carb and Gluten-Free:

Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be Low-Carb and Gluten-Free, too. As long as you use Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo, you’re all set. Just swap out the breadcrumbs for more of the shredded parmesan.

Yep, that's it. Simple swaps to help you stick to your eating plan.

Here is a list of products we saved on at Publix as part of the Be the Best You Promotion:

• Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayonnaise – $3.00 off 16 oz
• Sir Kensington’s Vinaigrette (Any Flavor) – $1.50 off 8.5 – 9 oz

My favorite is the Raspberry + Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette. I like the sweet-tartness and earthy black pepper. Can't wait to try the Dijon Balsamic next.

Click here for a complete list of items on sale and print your coupons. Good at all participating Publix locations.

More Recipes You Might Like:

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Zesty Citrus Steak + Rice Bowls

Savory Pumpkin Pasta

Parmesan Crusted Chicken makes a great main entree that you and the whole family will enjoy. You can easily double this recipe for a crowd.

Or, make a double batch on Sunday for your weekly lunch prep. You can eat it as shown, on a sandwich, or cut into pieces as a topping for a tossed salad.

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