Chicken Mayo with Parmesan and Bread Crumbs Recipe

Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the coating stick to the chicken.

Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.

Bread crumbs: Creates a crispy, golden-brown coating.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.

To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly and remain juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness before applying the mayonnaise mixture. This will help the chicken cook uniformly and prevent any parts from drying out. Additionally, for an extra crispy coating, lightly toast the bread crumbs in a dry skillet before using them to coat the chicken. This step will give the bread crumbs a head start in achieving that perfect golden brown color.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative for chicken breasts.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, but with fewer calories and more protein.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan cheese.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar texture to traditional bread crumbs.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder and less visually noticeable in light-colored dishes.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the coating soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each piece with parchment paper to maintain the integrity of the bread crumbs coating.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of how long the chicken has been stored. Frozen chicken breasts can be kept for up to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the quality of the meat.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent the coating from drying out.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is heated through. For a crispier coating, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken breasts in a microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken breasts on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy again.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue to heat in 30-second increments until the chicken is hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Place the chicken in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to ensure the chicken is hot and the coating is crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed and the coating is crisp.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken breasts at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the coated chicken breasts for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Spatula: Used to spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

• Tongs: Used to handle the chicken breasts when coating them with bread crumbs.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking sheet when removing it from the oven.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or unwanted parts from the chicken breasts.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to prepare the chicken breasts before coating them.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper ahead of time.

Use pre-grated cheese: Save time by using store-bought grated parmesan cheese instead of grating it yourself.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken breasts to save time.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to reduce cleanup time.

Use a food processor: Quickly make bread crumbs by pulsing bread in a food processor.