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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli Recipe

4.5 from 116 reviews

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Basil Aioli is a crispy, flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, pan-seared to golden perfection, then baked to juicy doneness. Finished with a fresh, creamy basil aioli, this meal combines crisp texture and bright, herby flavor for a delicious and impressive entree.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Basil Aioli:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven & prep chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
  2. Prepare coating station. Set up three bowls: in the first, mix the flour, salt, and pepper; in the second, whisk the eggs; in the third, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat chicken. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture until fully coated for a crispy crust.
  4. Pan-sear. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the coated chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown. This step locks in flavor but does not fully cook the chicken.
  5. Bake. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating that the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Make aioli. While the chicken bakes, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
  7. Serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with a generous dollop of basil aioli. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, use fresh panko breadcrumbs rather than seasoned or pre-packaged ones.
  • If you prefer, substitute mayonnaise in the aioli with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to avoid undercooked or overcooked spots.
  • Cooking times may vary based on chicken breast thickness; always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.
  • Leftover basil aioli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, basil aioli, crispy chicken, baked chicken, panko coated chicken, easy chicken recipes