Imagine biting into a piece of golden, crispy chicken that has a delicious layer of Parmesan cheese hugging every morsel. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting all who pass by to come and taste this culinary masterpiece. This is not just any chicken; this is Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli, a dish that dances between comfort food and gourmet delight.
Now, picture this dish gracing the table during a cozy family gathering or a lively dinner party with friends. The laughter and chatter fill the air as everyone digs in, eyes lighting up at the first bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re trying to impress someone special or simply treating yourself on a Wednesday night. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli is incredibly easy to prepare and packs a flavor punch
- Its stunning visual appeal makes it perfect for impressing guests
- With its crispy exterior and creamy dipping sauce, it’s sure to be a family favorite
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it fits any occasion beautifully
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. Their reactions were priceless—wide-eyed astonishment followed by enthusiastic applause!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 chicken breasts for juicy results; adjust based on your crowd size.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and that irresistible crispiness.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a delightful crunch; avoid regular breadcrumbs for optimal texture.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Opt for vibrant green leaves to create a fresh and fragrant aioli.
Mayonnaise: A smooth base for the aioli; use high-quality mayo for best results.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the aioli and balances flavors perfectly.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth; avoid powdered garlic if you can.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it adds richness without overpowering other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli
Prepare Your Kitchen Setup: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Grab your mixing bowls—this will get deliciously messy!
Create the Breading Mixture: In one bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper until well mixed. The mixture should look like sandy bliss waiting to coat your chicken.
Dip the Chicken Breasts: Take each chicken breast and dip it into olive oil first, ensuring each piece gets drenched. Then, transfer it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly so it sticks well.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the coated chicken breasts onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Make the Basil Aioli Sauce: While waiting for the chicken to bake, combine mayonnaise, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth—taste-testing is mandatory!
Serve It Up!: Once your chicken is gloriously golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it rest for five minutes before serving. Pair it with your homemade basil aioli on the side for dipping enjoyment.
Enjoy crafting this delectable dish! Each step is filled with excitement as you watch it come together beautifully.
You Must Know
- This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience
- The crunchy texture paired with creamy aioli creates a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds dancing
- Make sure to use fresh basil for the best flavor impact
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Coat the chicken in parmesan, then bake until golden and crispy, while preparing the basil aioli.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or add herbs such as thyme or oregano for an extra flavor burst.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect crust, ensure your chicken is patted dry before coating it with parmesan
- This helps the cheese stick better and crisp up nicely
- Don’t rush while making the aioli; blending thoroughly enhances its creaminess
- Always taste your aioli – it should sing with flavor!
Cooking this dish brings back fond memories of dinner parties where everyone fought over the last piece of chicken, leaving me with nothing but crumbs and laughter.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well too but may require slightly less cooking time.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in basil aioli?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative for a healthier twist on basil aioli.
How do I make my crust extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, try adding breadcrumbs along with parmesan when coating the chicken.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli is a delectable blend of crispy chicken and creamy aioli, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make dish combines juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy layer of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, served with a refreshing basil aioli that elevates the flavors. Ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe promises to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper until combined.
- Coat each chicken breast in olive oil, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, blend mayonnaise, basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving with basil aioli on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with aioli
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or add herbs such as thyme or oregano. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven for optimal texture.
