Ingredients
2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 whole garlic cloves, minced
as needed avocado oil spray
to taste fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1-First Step: Prep and mise en place Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Gather all ingredients so you can work quickly: measure the paprika, sea salt, and black pepper into a small bowl to create the spice blend. Shred the Parmesan if it is not already grated, and mince the garlic cloves. Lightly spray a large baking dish or pan with avocado oil spray so the chicken will not stick.
2-Second Step: Season the chicken Pat the 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice blend of 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Press the seasoning into the meat so it adheres.
3-Third Step: Add garlic and Parmesan Lay the seasoned breasts on the prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic 4 whole garlic cloves, minced over each chicken breast. Then add 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the garlic and chicken. The fresh grated Parmesan melts and forms a light crust; avoid powdery or shaker cheese for best results.
4-Fourth Step: Final oil spray and bake Spray the chicken lightly again with avocado oil spray to help the cheese brown. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for color. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Because the breasts are large and boneless, this short bake time yields cooked-through, juicy chicken with a golden Parmesan crust.
5-Final Step: Finish and serve Remove the baking dish immediately from the oven and let the chicken rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley before serving. Slice against the grain for best texture and serve with a simple side like roasted asparagus or quick pasta.
Notes
π Cutting chicken breasts in half speeds up cooking without needing to pound them thin
π§ Use freshly grated parmesan instead of powdered for better melting and flavor
β° To reheat without drying, quickly sear on stovetop instead of microwaving
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 848mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
