Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon
Note: If oil isnt hot enough your crust may stick to the bottom of the pan and youll loose it all
Note: If oil isnt hot enough your crust may stick to the bottom of the pan and youll loose it all
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- oil for frying about 1/2-3/4 cup depending on size of skillet
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 4-5 oz each
- 1 cup cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1-1 1/2 cups shredded asiag cheese
- 3-4 slices bacon - cooked and crumbed (can leave slightly und it will finish cooking under broiler)
- Carbohydrate 0.25823906650641 g
- Cholesterol 46.53 mg
- Fat 1.09705875801282 g
- Fiber 0.0362550874734536 g
- Protein 1.42102205528846 g
- Saturated Fat 0.341826306089744 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (15g)
- Sodium 15.6250560897436 mg
- Sugar 0.221983979032957 g
- Trans Fat 0.18387250801282 g
- Calories 16 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In a small shallow bowl, mix egg and water
- In another shallow bowl, mix cheese, pepper, salt and garlic
- Heat oil over high heat
- Dip each chicken breast first in egg mixture then in cheese
- Fry in hot oil until crust is golden brown
- Prepare a baking pan by covering with foil and placing wire rack on top
- Place chicken on rack and bake about 20 minutes or until juices run clear
- Time will depend on thickness of chicken
- Remove from oven and turn oven to broil
- Top each piece of chicken with Asiago cheese and bacon and place under broiler to melt cheese
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon recipe is a game-changer. It's surprisingly easy to make, comes together quickly, and tastes absolutely divine. It's the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy goodness and savory, salty bacon – everything a tired mom needs after a long day!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Forget complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. This dish utilizes pantry staples and readily available chicken breasts, making it an ideal choice for those spontaneous weeknight dinners. Plus, the crispy parmesan crust adds a touch of elegance that belies its ease of preparation. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. My kids absolutely devour this dish, and the leftovers are just as good (if they even last that long!).
The magic of the crispy crust: The secret to this dish's irresistible texture lies in the double-dipping technique – first in an egg wash, then in the parmesan mixture. This ensures that the crust adheres beautifully to the chicken and gets wonderfully crispy when fried. And don't even get me started on the bacon! I love adding a bit of crumbled bacon for that extra smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. You can prepare it in advance and crumble it on top, right before it goes under the broiler.
I often adjust the recipe to suit my family’s preferences. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or I’ll swap out the Asiago cheese for another variety I have on hand – cheddar works wonderfully as well. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily prep the chicken ahead of time by mixing your egg wash and cheese mixture in separate bowls. Dip the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Then, when you're ready to have dinner, just fry and bake your chicken, and you will have a delicious dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
Beyond Weeknights: Don't limit this recipe to just weeknight dinners! It's perfect for entertaining, too. The attractive presentation and delicious flavor make it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Imagine serving this at your next gathering, impressing your guests with a dish that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herby delight: Incorporate finely chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or oregano into the cheese mixture for added flavor.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses. Pecorino Romano, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses can add unique flavor profiles.
- Breadcrumbs boost: Mix a small amount of breadcrumbs into the cheese mixture for a thicker, more substantial crust.
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon recipe is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and efficiency. It's a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy dinners don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. So, try it out tonight and let me know what you think. I'm sure it will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!
