This recipe elevates simple chicken breasts into a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Using Hellmann's mayonnaise as a key ingredient adds incredible moisture and richness to the chicken, resulting in a juicy and tender interior beneath a delightfully crunchy parmesan crust.
Why Use Hellmann's Mayonnaise in this Recipe?
Many might wonder why mayonnaise is included in a chicken crust recipe. The secret lies in its emulsifying properties. Hellmann's mayonnaise, with its blend of oil and egg yolks, creates a wonderfully creamy base that helps the parmesan cheese adhere perfectly to the chicken, promoting even browning and a fantastically crispy crust. Beyond that, the mayonnaise infuses the chicken with moisture, preventing dryness and guaranteeing a succulent final product.
Hellmann's Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions: Preparing the Parmesan Crust
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks through evenly and the crust achieves optimal crispiness.
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Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the crust adhere better.
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Mix the crust ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the Hellmann's mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a consistent, moist crumb mixture.
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Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise-Parmesan mixture, ensuring it's fully coated on all sides. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere.
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Bake the chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side to lightly brown them and add extra flavor. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips and Variations for a Perfect Dish
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crust mixture for a touch of heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like Italian seasoning, basil, or parsley.
- Cheese variations: Try using a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese, or substitute with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Crispy coating: For an even crispier crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or your favorite pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use another brand of mayonnaise instead of Hellmann's?
While Hellmann's is recommended for its specific emulsion and flavor profile, you can experiment with other brands of mayonnaise. However, results may vary slightly in terms of crust texture and flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. You can also check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear.
Can I pan-fry the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, you can pan-fry the chicken, but you may need to adjust cooking time and add more oil to prevent sticking. Medium-high heat is recommended for a crispy crust.
Can I prepare the crust mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Hellmann's Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Enjoy!
