BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH PARMESAN CRUST

Baked Chicken Breasts with Parmesan Crust image

Provided by Carol Perricone

Categories Chicken

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 Tbsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp thyme leaves, chopped
kosher salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
3/4 c parmesan cheese
3/4 c panko bread crumbs, or dried coarse baquette breadcrumbs
cooking spray

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Mix mustard, thyme, 1/2 tsp salt and the cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Add the chicken breasts, turn to coat completely, set aside.
3. In medium shallow bowl, combine parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken pieces in panko mixture, pressing coating into the meat.
4. Put chicken on a rack over a baking sheet. Spray chicken with a quick burst of cooking spray; and place in middle of the oven. Bake until chicken is golden brown, and cooked through, about 20 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting and serving.