Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is about to become your new go-to dinner, I promise you that! Lately, I’ve been craving those simple, satisfying meals that don’t require me to stand over the stove for an hour after a long day. When the weather starts getting cooler, I always lean into comfort food, but I like keeping things bright, too. That’s where this recipe shines!
I’m Daniel, and I started Reciqa because I truly believe cooking should be joyful, not stressful. For me, gathering everyone around the table with something delicious—even on a Tuesday—is what life is all about. This chicken dish brings all the flavor you want from a Friday night dinner but comes together so fast, making it perfect for any busy evening.
We’re talking about chicken that’s incredibly crispy on the outside thanks to the double-punch of panko and Parmesan, yet perfectly tender inside. Then, we drown it in this vibrant, savory sun-dried tomato sauce that just sings! It’s easy, it’s quick, and it tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did. Let’s get cooking!
Gathering What You Need for Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Before we even think about preheating that oven, we need to get organized. That’s my biggest secret for keeping things stress-free: have everything ready to go before you start coating the chicken. Especially with breading, speed is your friend! Don’t worry, the list isn’t huge, but paying attention to the details now means your Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce will turn out golden and perfect.
Let’s look at what we need to pull together for this amazing meal. I’ve broken it down so you can check your pantry quickly!
Essential Ingredients for Your Panko-Parmesan Chicken
We need the basics for a great crust and that bright sauce. Remember, if you are using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, make sure you drain off most of that oil before you chop them up! That’s a little trick I learned the hard way—too much oil makes the sauce greasy, which we definitely don’t want.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- \u00bd cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- \u00bd cup olive oil
- \u00bd cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Equipment Required for This Recipe
You don’t need a ton of fancy gear here, which is why I love this recipe for weeknights! The most important thing is having a large oven-safe skillet if you want to sear and bake all in one pan. If you don’t have one, no sweat, just grab a regular skillet and a small baking dish!
- Large oven-safe skillet (preferred) or a regular skillet and a small baking dish
- Three separate shallow dishes for the breading station
- Small saucepan for the sauce
- Whisk or fork
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Alright, this is where the magic happens for our Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce. Remember how I said organization is key? Now we put that prep work to the test! First things first: get your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). We want it ready and waiting when the chicken comes out of the skillet.
Before we start breading, take those four chicken breasts and season them up. You want a nice even coating of garlic powder, salt, and pepper all over both sides. Don’t be shy back here!
Preparing the Chicken Coating Station
Setting up your breading station properly is non-negotiable for crispy chicken. You need three shallow dishes lined up in order, just like a little assembly line. In the first dish, put your cup of flour. In the second, whisk those two large eggs until they are nice and yellow. The third dish is where the flavor explosion happens: mix your panko breadcrumbs and the grated Parmesan cheese together really well. Make sure that cheese is evenly distributed in the panko!
Now, take one seasoned chicken breast at a time. First, dredge it completely in the flour—shake off any excess so you don’t end up with thick white patches. Next, dip it into the egg wash, letting the extra drip off. Finally, and this is important, press that chicken firmly into the panko-Parmesan mix. You want to really pat it on so that crust adheres everywhere. Set that coated piece aside on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Achieving Golden Brown Perfection Through Searing
Grab your oven-safe skillet and pour in that half-cup of olive oil. Set the heat to medium-high. We are searing here, not fully cooking, so we want the oil hot enough to sizzle immediately when the chicken hits it. Place the breaded cutlets into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan—work in batches if you need to! Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that gorgeous, deep golden-brown color. This step locks in the crunch!
Finishing the Panko-Parmesan Chicken in the Oven
Once both sides are beautifully browned, carefully transfer that skillet straight into your preheated 375°F oven. Now, the chicken needs to finish cooking through. Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes. The absolute goal here is an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Trust me, use a meat thermometer if you have one; nobody wants dry chicken!
Making the Bright Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
While the chicken is doing its thing in the oven, we whip up the sauce. This is so simple, it feels like cheating! In a small saucepan, combine your chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the cup of chicken broth, and that teaspoon of dried basil. Set the heat to medium and let it gently simmer. You want it to reduce down just a little bit, maybe 5 to 7 minutes. This concentrates those savory, sweet flavors from the tomatoes. Once the chicken is done, pull it out, let it rest for just a minute, and then spoon that beautiful sauce right over the top.
Tips for Achieving Expert Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
We’ve got the basic steps down for making fantastic Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, but a few extra pointers will take this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable. Remember, cooking is all about tweaking things to work for your own kitchen! These little adjustments are what turn a good recipe into your signature dish.
Ingredient Preparation Secrets
If you really want that amazing crispiness, try this: before you mix the panko and Parmesan, toss the panko into a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until it smells nutty and looks slightly toasted. Let it cool before mixing in the cheese. Also, remember those oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes? Drain them really well, but don’t rinse them! We want that slight tomato oil flavor in the sauce, just not so much that it overwhelms everything.
Handling Equipment Variations
I love using my cast iron skillet because it goes straight from the stovetop to the oven, which saves on dishes. But if your favorite skillet isn’t oven-safe—and please, don’t risk it!—just transfer the quickly seared chicken pieces onto a lined baking dish. Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t touching too much, as that helps keep the sides crispy while they bake through.
Serving Suggestions for Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
This Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is rich and savory, so you want sides that can soak up that extra sauce and balance the richness. I always lean towards something green or starchy to make it a complete plate. Roasted asparagus or quickly sautéed spinach with a little garlic is perfect; the slight bitterness cuts through the Parmesan beautifully.
If you need a starch, creamy mashed potatoes are non-negotiable—they are just the best vehicle for that sun-dried tomato sauce! If you want something lighter, a simple lemon-herb pasta or even some fluffy couscous works wonderfully as they absorb the sauce without competing with the crispy chicken. Just make sure whatever you choose is ready when the chicken comes out of the oven!
Frequently Asked Questions About Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
I get so many questions about breading and baking, so let’s tackle a few common ones right here. These answers should help you feel totally confident tackling this recipe!
Can I make the Panko-Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
You absolutely can prep ahead, which is a lifesaver on busy days! You can set up your three breading dishes and even coat all your chicken breasts. Once they are fully coated, lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember, if they are cold going into the hot oil, you might need to add a minute or two to your searing time.
How do I ensure the coating stays crispy?
Crispiness comes down to two things: the sear and the transfer. You must get that initial golden-brown crust in hot oil—that seals the deal. Secondly, after searing, you need to get them into the hot oven quickly! Don’t let them sit on the counter cooling down after searing; move them straight to the baking step so the residual heat finishes the cooking process without letting the bottom crust get soggy.
What is a good substitute for chicken broth in the sauce?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a perfect 1:1 swap and will keep the sauce bright and flavorful. You could also use water mixed with a half-teaspoon of good quality poultry seasoning or bouillon paste if you have that lying around. Just avoid using plain water, as it won’t give the sauce that deep savory base we are looking for!
Storing and Reheating Your Panko-Parmesan Chicken
If you happen to have any leftovers—which I doubt, because this dish disappears fast—storing them correctly keeps the chicken tasting great the next day. Make sure the chicken has cooled down completely before you try to store it. If you leave the sauce on, the coating will definitely get soft, so I recommend storing the chicken and the extra sauce separately. That way, when you reheat the chicken, the panko crust has a fighting chance!
For the best results when reheating, avoid the microwave if you can, because that’s the enemy of crispy coating! Pop the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet and reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. That little blast of dry heat brings back some of that crunch. If you want to serve it with sauce, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop and pour it over the hot chicken right before serving.
Here’s a quick reference for storage:
| Item | Container Type | Refrigeration Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken (un-sauced) | Airtight container | 3-4 days |
| Sauce | Small sealed jar | Up to 5 days |
Share Your Experience Making Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
I seriously can’t wait for you to try this! It’s one of those recipes that just works every single time, giving you that satisfying crunch and bright flavor combo. Once you’ve made this wonderful Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, please come back and leave me a rating! Tell me what sides you paired it with in the comments below. Happy cooking, everyone!
Tips for Achieving Expert Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
We’ve got the basic steps down for making fantastic Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, but a few extra pointers will take this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable. Remember, cooking is all about tweaking things to work for your own kitchen! These little adjustments are what turn a good recipe into your signature dish.
Ingredient Preparation Secrets
If you really want that amazing crispiness, try this: before you mix the panko and Parmesan, toss the panko into a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until it smells nutty and looks slightly toasted. Let it cool before mixing in the cheese. Also, remember those oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes? Drain them really well, but don’t rinse them! We want that slight tomato oil flavor in the sauce, just not so much that it overwhelms everything.
Handling Equipment Variations
I love using my cast iron skillet because it goes straight from the stovetop to the oven, which saves on dishes. But if your favorite skillet isn’t oven-safe—and please, don’t risk it!—just transfer the quickly seared chicken pieces onto a lined baking dish. Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t touching too much, as that helps keep the sides crispy while they bake through.
Serving Suggestions for Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
This Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is rich and savory, so you want sides that can soak up that extra sauce and balance the richness. I always lean towards something green or starchy to make it a complete plate. Roasted asparagus or quickly sautéed spinach with a little garlic is perfect; the slight bitterness cuts through the Parmesan beautifully.
If you need a starch, creamy mashed potatoes are non-negotiable—they are just the best vehicle for that sun-dried tomato sauce! If you want something lighter, a simple lemon-herb pasta or even some fluffy couscous works wonderfully as they absorb the sauce without competing with the crispy chicken. Just make sure whatever you choose is ready when the chicken comes out of the oven!
Frequently Asked Questions About Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
I get so many questions about breading and baking, so let’s tackle a few common ones right here. These answers should help you feel totally confident tackling this recipe!
Can I make the Panko-Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
You absolutely can prep ahead, which is a lifesaver on busy days! You can set up your three breading dishes and even coat all your chicken breasts. Once they are fully coated, lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember, if they are cold going into the hot oil, you might need to add a minute or two to your searing time.
How do I ensure the coating stays crispy?
Crispiness comes down to two things: the sear and the transfer. You must get that initial golden-brown crust in hot oil—that seals the deal. Secondly, after searing, you need to get them into the hot oven quickly! Don’t let them sit on the counter cooling down after searing; move them straight to the baking step so the residual heat finishes the cooking process without letting the bottom crust get soggy.
What is a good substitute for chicken broth in the sauce?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a perfect 1:1 swap and will keep the sauce bright and flavorful. You could also use water mixed with a half-teaspoon of good quality poultry seasoning or bouillon paste if you have that lying around. Just avoid using plain water, as it won’t give the sauce that deep savory base we are looking for!
Storing and Reheating Your Panko-Parmesan Chicken
If you happen to have any leftovers—which I doubt, because this dish disappears fast—storing them correctly keeps the chicken tasting great the next day. Make sure the chicken has cooled down completely before you try to store it. If you leave the sauce on, the coating will definitely get soft, so I recommend storing the chicken and the extra sauce separately. That way, when you reheat the chicken, the panko crust has a fighting chance!
For the best results when reheating, avoid the microwave if you can, because that’s the enemy of crispy coating! Pop the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet and reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. That little blast of dry heat brings back some of that crunch. If you want to serve it with sauce, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop and pour it over the hot chicken right before serving.
Here’s a quick reference for storage:
| Item | Container Type | Refrigeration Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken (un-sauced) | Airtight container | 3-4 days |
| Sauce | Small sealed jar | Up to 5 days |
Share Your Experience Making Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
I seriously can’t wait for you to try this! It’s one of those recipes that just works every single time, giving you that satisfying crunch and bright flavor combo. Once you’ve made this wonderful Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, please come back and leave me a rating! Tell me what sides you paired it with in the comments below. Happy cooking, everyone!
Tips for Achieving Expert Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
We’ve got the basic steps down for making fantastic Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, but a few extra pointers will take this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable. Remember, cooking is all about tweaking things to work for your own kitchen! These little adjustments are what turn a good recipe into your signature dish.
Ingredient Preparation Secrets
If you really want that amazing crispiness, try this: before you mix the panko and Parmesan, toss the panko into a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until it smells nutty and looks slightly toasted. Let it cool before mixing in the cheese. Also, remember those oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes? Drain them really well, but don’t rinse them! We want that slight tomato oil flavor in the sauce, just not so much that it overwhelms everything.
Handling Equipment Variations
I love using my cast iron skillet because it goes straight from the stovetop to the oven, which saves on dishes. But if your favorite skillet isn’t oven-safe—and please, don’t risk it!—just transfer the quickly seared chicken pieces onto a lined baking dish. Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t touching too much, as that helps keep the sides crispy while they bake through.
Serving Suggestions for Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
This Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is rich and savory, so you want sides that can soak up that extra sauce and balance the richness. I always lean towards something green or starchy to make it a complete plate. Roasted asparagus or quickly sautéed spinach with a little garlic is perfect; the slight bitterness cuts through the Parmesan beautifully.
If you need a starch, creamy mashed potatoes are non-negotiable—they are just the best vehicle for that sun-dried tomato sauce! If you want something lighter, a simple lemon-herb pasta or even some fluffy couscous works wonderfully as they absorb the sauce without competing with the crispy chicken. Just make sure whatever you choose is ready when the chicken comes out of the oven!
Frequently Asked Questions About Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
I get so many questions about breading and baking, so let’s tackle a few common ones right here. These answers should help you feel totally confident tackling this recipe!
Can I make the Panko-Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
You absolutely can prep ahead, which is a lifesaver on busy days! You can set up your three breading dishes and even coat all your chicken breasts. Once they are fully coated, lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember, if they are cold going into the hot oil, you might need to add a minute or two to your searing time.
How do I ensure the coating stays crispy?
Crispiness comes down to two things: the sear and the transfer. You must get that initial golden-brown crust in hot oil—that seals the deal. Secondly, after searing, you need to get them into the hot oven quickly! Don’t let them sit on the counter cooling down after searing; move them straight to the baking step so the residual heat finishes the cooking process without letting the bottom crust get soggy.
What is a good substitute for chicken broth in the sauce?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a perfect 1:1 swap and will keep the sauce bright and flavorful. You could also use water mixed with a half-teaspoon of good quality poultry seasoning or bouillon paste if you have that lying around. Just avoid using plain water, as it won’t give the sauce that deep savory base we are looking for!
Storing and Reheating Your Panko-Parmesan Chicken
If you happen to have any leftovers—which I doubt, because this dish disappears fast—storing them correctly keeps the chicken tasting great the next day. Make sure the chicken has cooled down completely before you try to store it. If you leave the sauce on, the coating will definitely get soft, so I recommend storing the chicken and the extra sauce separately. That way, when you reheat the chicken, the panko crust has a fighting chance!
For the best results when reheating, avoid the microwave if you can, because that’s the enemy of crispy coating! Pop the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet and reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. That little blast of dry heat brings back some of that crunch. If you want to serve it with sauce, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop and pour it over the hot chicken right before serving.
Here’s a quick reference for storage:
| Item | Container Type | Refrigeration Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken (un-sauced) | Airtight container | 3-4 days |
| Sauce | Small sealed jar | Up to 5 days |
Share Your Experience Making Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
I seriously can’t wait for you to try this! It’s one of those recipes that just works every single time, giving you that satisfying crunch and bright flavor combo. Once you’ve made this wonderful Panko-Parmesan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, please come back and leave me a rating! Tell me what sides you paired it with in the comments below. Happy cooking, everyone!
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3 Amazing Panko-Parmesan Chicken Dinners
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe delivers Panko-Parmesan Chicken with a bright Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce. The chicken is crispy from the panko and Parmesan coating, then baked to perfection. The simple sauce adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Set up your breading station: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and a third dish with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip it in the egg mixture. Finally, press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture to fully coat.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-sear the breaded chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried basil. Simmer this mixture over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Serve the baked Panko-Parmesan Chicken topped with the warm sun-dried tomato sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can toast the panko lightly before mixing with Parmesan.
- If you do not have oven-safe skillets, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, draining them slightly before chopping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American


