Mary Berry Parmesan Chicken​ Recipe

This simple Mary Berry Parmesan Chicken is made with tender chicken breasts, mayonnaise, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon zest. This recipe creates a perfectly juicy chicken breast with a crispy, savory golden-brown crust. It’s a foolproof main course for a fast weeknight dinner, and this recipe makes enough for 4 people.

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Mary Berry Parmesan Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6oz / 170g each)
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise (full-fat is best)
• 100g (about 1 cup) Panko breadcrumbs
• 50g (about ½ cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

How To Make Mary Berry Parmesan Chicken

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Coat the chicken: Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in a thin, even layer over the top side of each chicken breast.
4. Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Stir them together until well mixed.
5. Crust the chicken: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mayonnaise-coated chicken breasts. Gently press the topping down with your fingers so it sticks.
6. Bake until golden: Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil (this is optional but helps it get extra golden). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is crisp and golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Do not substitute regular, fine breadcrumbs. Panko crumbs are larger and lighter, which is what creates a truly crispy, crunchy crust instead of a dense, heavy one.
• Don’t Skip the Mayonnaise: This is the key trick. The mayonnaise acts as a “glue” for the crumbs, but its main job is to add fat and moisture. It melts into the chicken as it bakes, keeping it incredibly tender and juicy.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Avoid the pre-grated Parmesan in a shaker tube. A block of Parmesan grated fresh has more moisture and flavor, and it will melt into the crust much better.
• Check for Doneness: Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your chicken. The chicken is done when its juices run clear, or a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).

What To Serve Parmesan Chicken

This crispy chicken is a wonderful main course that pairs with many side dishes. Serve it with a simple side of buttered new potatoes and steamed green beans or asparagus. It’s also delicious with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh, crisp green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette.

How To Store Parmesan Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften upon refrigeration.
• Reheat: To get the crust crispy again, it’s best to reheat the chicken in an oven or an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 5-10 minutes. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended as it will make the breading soggy.
• Freeze: We do not recommend freezing this dish, as the crispy crust will become soft and mushy when thawed.

Mary Berry Parmesan Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 46g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will be very juicy. You will need to increase the baking time to about 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. This recipe is very easy to make gluten-free. Simply replace the Panko breadcrumbs with your favorite brand of gluten-free Panko-style breadcrumbs.
• Can I use something other than mayonnaise? The mayonnaise provides the best moisture. However, you can substitute it with melted butter or a thick Greek yogurt. Melted butter will give a rich, nutty flavor, while Greek yogurt will add a slight tang.

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Chicken Valencia​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Chicken And Mushroom Risotto​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Chicken Provencal​ Recipe