Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

1 c. shredded provolone

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¾ inch thickness

Marinade:

1 tablespoon minced garlic

½ c. olive oil

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon lemon juice

½ c. prepared ranch dressing

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon vinegar

Ranch Spread:

¼ c. ranch dressing

¼ c. grated Parmesan

Parmesan Crumb Topping:

⅓ c. shredded Parmesan

1 teaspoon garlic salt

2 tablespoons melted butter

½ c. panko bread crumbs

Instructions

Mix the marinade ingredients and pour them over the chicken. Marinate for at least two hours and up to a day in the fridge.

Cook chicken on the grill for 12-15 minutes.

Ready the Ranch Spread: Mix 1/4 c. grated Parmesan with 1/4 c. ranch dressing.

For the Parmesan Crumb Topping, combine the bread crumbs, garlic salt, shredded Parmesan, and butter until well blended and evenly moistened.

To Assemble:

Place the oven’s rack in the middle. Start preheating the broiler.

Place the cooked chicken in an oven-safe casserole dish. On each breast, evenly spread 2 teaspoons of ranch spread. Add provolone and a Parmesan crumb topping on top. Broil the chicken until the cheese melts and the crumb topping turns light brown.

Serve the Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken immediately with pasta and some green beans. Enjoy!

Notes

For a simpler recipe, you can marinate the chicken in Italian dressing.

You can pan-sear the chicken instead of grilling. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on both sides, then transfer to a rimmed baking sheet to bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.

Feel free to make the Ranch Spread & Parmesan Crumb topping in advance.

Use pork rinds in place of panko bread crumbs for a low-carb/keto-friendly version.

How To Make it Gluten free

Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or red vinegar or balsamic vinegar combined with tamarind paste.

Almond flour (or almond meal) or cornflakes are a great gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than a day?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.

Can I substitute the Worcestershire sauce with another ingredient?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce or prefer an alternative, you can use soy sauce as a replacement for a similar depth of flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken breasts with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms.

Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I skip the grilling step and cook the chicken entirely in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of grilling.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.

Adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I skip the marinating step if I’m short on time?

While marinating enhances flavor, you can still make the dish without marinating the chicken, although the flavor might not be as intense.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss, depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe without dairy?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and ranch dressing.

Can I prepare the Ranch Spread and Parmesan Crumb topping in advance?

Absolutely! Both the Ranch Spread and Parmesan Crumb topping can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used instead of panko breadcrumbs, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and substituting the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.