Crisp-Crust Parmesan Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts encased in a golden, cheesy crust with a savory garlic-herb center, perfect for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs grated parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper and pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Press the cheese mixture evenly over the top surface of each chicken breast, then flip to coat the bottom. Place chicken seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chicken and bake for 20-22 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese crust is golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp-Crust Parmesan Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crisp-Crust Parmesan Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grated parmesan cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp-Crust Parmesan Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crisp-Crust Parmesan Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crisp-Crust Parmesan Chicken low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.