Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Fresh Arugula Salad
Indulge in this delightful and nutritious weeknight dinner that's as easy to prepare as it is delicious! Our Crispy Parmesan Chicken features juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts coated with a golden, flavorful crust of Parmesan cheese and enhanced with the subtle warmth of Dijon mustard and fragrant thyme. Served alongside a refreshing arugula salad adorned with sweet cherry tomatoes, this dish is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you're looking for a quick meal for the family or a simple dish to impress guests, this recipe promises to be a hit! Feel free to adjust the salad dressing to suit your taste, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (divided)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (divided)
Fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (6 ounces each) (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (divided)
Water
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Packed arugula
4 cups (none)
Cherry tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and develops a beautifully crisp exterior.
2
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, and the chopped fresh thyme until well combined.
3
Season the boneless skinless chicken breast halves generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush the mustard mixture evenly over each breast.
4
Evenly sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on both sides of each chicken breast, using approximately 1/2 cup in total.
5
Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray for easier cleanup. Place the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet.
6
Bake the chicken on the top shelf of the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is beautifully browned.
7
While the chicken is baking, prepare the salad by combining the remaining 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large salad bowl. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of water to create a light dressing.
8
Add the packed arugula and halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently until everything is coated.
9
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. To serve, spoon the arugula salad onto individual plates, top with the crispy Parmesan chicken, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Fresh Arugula Salad?
It is a nutritious weeknight dinner featuring oven-baked chicken breasts with a golden Parmesan crust, served with a refreshing arugula and cherry tomato salad.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C) to ensure the chicken cooks quickly and becomes crisp.
What are the main ingredients for the chicken coating?
The coating consists of Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh thyme, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese in total, which is divided among the chicken breasts.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, each weighing approximately 6 ounces.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake the chicken on the top shelf of the oven for about 15 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I prepare the baking sheet for the chicken?
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
What ingredients are in the arugula salad?
The salad contains 4 cups of packed arugula and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes.
How is the salad dressing made?
The dressing is a mixture of 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of water.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried thyme in smaller quantities if necessary.
How much Dijon mustard is used for the chicken coating?
Two teaspoons of Dijon mustard are used for the chicken mixture.
Why is water added to the salad dressing?
A small amount of water is added to the mustard and oil mixture to create a lighter dressing consistency.
Where in the oven should the chicken be baked?
The chicken should be baked on the top shelf of the oven.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and balanced meal featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables.
How should I season the chicken before coating?
Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Do I need to rest the chicken after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven.
How do I apply the mustard mixture to the chicken?
Use a brush to evenly spread the mustard, oil, and thyme mixture over each seasoned chicken breast.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Spoon the arugula salad onto individual plates and top each with a piece of crispy Parmesan chicken.
How much arugula is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of packed arugula.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
You will need 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, divided between the chicken coating and the salad dressing.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal.
How much Parmesan goes on each chicken breast?
Approximately 2 tablespoons of cheese should be sprinkled on both sides of each breast.
Can I customize the salad dressing?
Yes, you can feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your personal taste.
What texture does the Parmesan create?
The Parmesan creates a golden, flavorful, and crispy exterior crust on the chicken.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the 4 chicken breast halves, this recipe serves approximately 4 people.
What is the primary flavor of the chicken?
The chicken has a savory flavor profile from the Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and fragrant thyme.
What equipment is needed to make the dressing?
A large salad bowl is used to combine the mustard, oil, and water before tossing in the greens.
What is the preparation for the thyme?
The 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme should be finely chopped.