Name: Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: (4 large) – The star of the show, providing a lean and versatile protein base. Choose breasts of similar size for even cooking.; Mayonnaise: (1/2 cup) – Acts as a binder for the parmesan crust, adding moisture and a subtle tang to the chicken. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor and texture.; Grated Parmesan Cheese: (1 cup, finely grated) – The key ingredient for the crispy, flavorful crust. Use real Parmesan cheese, not the powdered kind, for optimal melting and taste.; Garlic Powder: (2 teaspoons) – Provides a robust garlic flavor that permeates the entire dish, complementing the parmesan perfectly.; Italian Seasoning: (1 teaspoon) – A blend of dried herbs that adds depth and complexity to the crust, enhancing the overall savory profile.; Paprika: (1 teaspoon, optional, for color and mild flavor) – Adds a touch of smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the crust. Smoked paprika can be used for a more intense flavor.; Salt: (1 teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients and seasons the chicken. Adjust to your preference.; Black Pepper: (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground) – Adds a pungent kick and balances the richness of the parmesan and mayonnaise. Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best aroma and taste.; Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Used for lightly greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even browning on the bottom of the chicken.; Fresh Parsley: (Optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: (4 large) – The star of the show, providing a lean and versatile protein base. Choose breasts of similar size for even cooking.
Mayonnaise: (1/2 cup) – Acts as a binder for the parmesan crust, adding moisture and a subtle tang to the chicken. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: (1 cup, finely grated) – The key ingredient for the crispy, flavorful crust. Use real Parmesan cheese, not the powdered kind, for optimal melting and taste.
Garlic Powder: (2 teaspoons) – Provides a robust garlic flavor that permeates the entire dish, complementing the parmesan perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: (1 teaspoon) – A blend of dried herbs that adds depth and complexity to the crust, enhancing the overall savory profile.
Paprika: (1 teaspoon, optional, for color and mild flavor) – Adds a touch of smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the crust. Smoked paprika can be used for a more intense flavor.
Salt: (1 teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients and seasons the chicken. Adjust to your preference.
Black Pepper: (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground) – Adds a pungent kick and balances the richness of the parmesan and mayonnaise. Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best aroma and taste.
Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Used for lightly greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even browning on the bottom of the chicken.
Fresh Parsley: (Optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This will ensure they cook evenly and quickly. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust as it removes excess moisture.
Mix the Parmesan Crust Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and form a smooth, thick paste. This mixture will be the flavorful crust for your chicken.
Coat the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast in the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, generously spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Ensure that the entire top surface of each breast is covered with the crust mixture. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of crust – it will bake down beautifully.
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The parmesan crust should be golden brown and crispy. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so it’s essential to check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
Rest and Garnish (Optional): Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken immediately while it’s hot and the crust is at its crispiest. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450
Protein: 45g