Look at this Parmesan crusted chicken.  Just look at it!  It’s so easy to make even the self proclaimed “worst cook” can pull it off.  And doesn’t it look delicious?  Well it is. 🙂  The trick to achieving juicy tender chicken comes in three easy steps:

1. Brine it in salt water
2. Flatten it
3. Bake it for a short amount of time at high heat

And the creamy Parmesan flavor is wonderful!  Place it on a bed of creamy pasta topped with freshly diced tomatoes, then pair it with steamed greens such as asparagus and it’ll look fancy… but it’s not.  In fact it’s super simple to make and can please almost anyone ………including this ham:

 

The recipe is simple. After preparing chicken breast, cover it in sauce and sprinkle with breadcrumbs, then bake!

Okay okay, I admit that it’s not that healthy.  You could say it’s ‘healthy-ish’ because I paired it with asparagus, but, the topping has a lot of mayonnaise in it so it’s not considered healthy… right?!

“In my food world, there is no fear or guilt, only joy and balance.”

-Ellie Krieger

I’m trying to keep this quote in mind.  It’s hard to diet and not enjoy the comforts of food, and it’s easy to overly-enjoy the comforts of food resulting in a modification to my diet.  😀  Oy!

 

Begin by preparing the chicken.

Tip:  You need to flatten it to 1/2 inch thickness.  To do this I suggest covering it in saran wrap and lightly pounding it using a flat bottomed object, such as a drinking glass, if you don’t have a meat mallet.

 

After you trim, flatten, and brine the chicken, slather it in a thick amount of sauce.

 

Then sprinkle with breadcrumbs to give the “crusted” texture.

 

Bake at the high heat of 450º F. for only 12-13 minutes (chicken needs to reach 165º) and do NOT over-bake!

 

Serve it however you want but I suggest adding fresh tomatoes on top!

 

Then enjoy it with your sweeties.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• 3-4 large Chicken Breast, about 1-1/2 lbs.
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons plain Breadcrumbs
• 3/4 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Prepare the chicken:  Trim away the fat and then place the breasts on a cutting board, cover with a sheet of saran wrap, and using a meat mallet or flat bottomed object flatten to a 1/2 inch thick.  Now cut each breast in half resulting in 6 or 8 pieces depending on how many breasts you used.  Brine the halves in salt water for at least 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.  Season each side with salt and pepper and then place on a lightly greased baking sheet.  Set aside.

Preheat oven to 450º F.  In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and salt creating a thick sauce.  In a small bowl whisk together breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.  Cover each piece of chicken in the Parmesan sauce, then sprinkle with the seasoned breadcrumbs.  Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the center reaches 165º F.  Do not over bake!  Sprinkle with fresh diced tomatoes.  Pairs well with pasta and a vegetable such as asparagus!  Enjoy xoxo

Serves 6-8.