Parmesan Encrusted Chicken

NOTES:

1. From the AllRecipes.com website.

2. Recipe below makes 2 servings; double recipe amounts are in parentheses.

3. Use grated Parmesan, not shredded. But adding about a teaspoon of shredded Parmesan adds an extra burst of flavor.

4. Add some white wine and/or fresh lemon juice to the butter and garlic mixture.

5. The original recipe says to brush the melted butter mixture onto the chicken, but we placed each chicken half into it directly and then flipped each over.

6. There should be slightly more grated Parmesan than bread crumbs in the breading mix.

7. To prevent mushy breading on the bottom of the chicken, consider omitting bread crumbs on that side.


INGREDIENTS:

1/2 stick butter (1 stick)
1 clove garlic (2 cloves)
juice of 1/2 lemon, lightly squeezed (1 lemon)
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs (homemade, preferred) (2/3 cup)
2 Tbl grated Parmesan cheese (4 Tbl)
1 tsp shredded Parmesan, optional (2 tsp)
2 tsp fresh thyme (4 tsp)
2 tsp fresh basil (4 tsp)
2 tsp fresh oregano (4 tsp)
1/8 tsp pepper (1/4 tsp)
1/8 tsp salt (1/4 tsp)
2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (4)


PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Mince and combine herbs; set aside.

3. Place the butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic clove into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. 

4. When the butter starts to bubble, remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. 

5. In a pie plate or other shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.  Stir to combine. 

6. Dip each side of each chicken breast into the melted garlic butter, then press chicken into the seasoned bread crumbs. (OPTIONAL: Don't bread the side of the chicken that will be face down.)

7. Place the chicken into a baking dish that allows some room between chicken breasts.  Add leftover melted garlic butter. (This makes for additional crispy, tasty bits.)

8. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center, 45 to 50 minutes, or until just over 180 degrees.  Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.