BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH PARMESAN CRUST RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Mix the mustard, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the cayenne in a medium bowl. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat completely; set aside. In a medium shallow bowl, combine the parmesan and panko. Dredge the chicken pieces in the panko mixture, coating evenly and heavily, and pressing the coating into the meat. Put the chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet, spray with a quick burst of cooking spray and put the sheet in the middle of the oven. Bake until the chicken is golden and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting or serving. 
•  Photograph by Charles Masters

Steps:

• Pound the thicker end of the chicken to make both sides leveled out so they cook evenly.
• Fill a large bowl with 6 cups of water and add 1/4 cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt, stir to dissolve. (if using table salt, or sea salt, or Mortons, use half)
• Add the chicken breasts to the water and let them sit, refrigerated at least 1 hour, or up to 2 to brine.
• Remove from water, pat dry with paper towels and discard the water.
• Preheat oven 425F degrees. Spray a 9 x 12 baking dish with olive oil.
• In a small bowl combine 3/4 teaspoon salt, with the remaining spices. Rub the spice mix over the chicken and transfer to the baking dish.
• Spread the mayonnaise evenly over the top of each breast then sprinkle with panko and Parmesan. Spray the top with olive oil spray.
• Bake until chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees, 24-27 minutes.
• While the chicken bakes, slice lemon into wedges and serve with chicken.