Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both crispy and cheesy? Dive into the mouthwatering world of Baked Parmesan Chicken Strips, where juicy chicken meets a golden, crunchy crust that will have your taste buds dancing! This Italian-inspired recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and 40 minutes of your time, you can serve up a plateful of deliciousness that rivals your favorite restaurant. Trust us, once you try these irresistible chicken strips, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined, creating a smooth liquid for coating the chicken strips.
- Trim the chicken breasts and cut them into uniform strips, approximately 1-inch wide, to ensure even cooking.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely.
- Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow proper air circulation and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the strips halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken strips with a meat thermometer - they should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cutting them into uniform strips ensures even cooking and a perfect crispy texture.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skimp on the garlic powder and Italian seasoning! These spices are key to infusing flavor into the chicken and the breadcrumb coating.
- Get the Coating Just Right: When breading the chicken, make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture onto the strips firmly. This helps the coating stick better during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes for easy cleanup after cooking.
- Turn for Even Crispiness: Remember to flip the chicken strips halfway through the baking time. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a beautifully crispy exterior.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken strips reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, allow the chicken strips to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and makes for a juicier bite.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair these delicious strips with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for an extra flavor kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 160mg
