Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an ovenproof or cast iron skillet with a bit of oil to ensure that the chicken doesn’t stick. This is an important step for achieving that beautiful golden crust.
In a shallow medium-sized dish, add the vegetable oil and minced garlic. Stir the mixture to combine and set it aside. The garlic will infuse the oil and give the chicken a lovely flavor.
In a separate dish, combine the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix it well so that the chicken gets an even coating of flavors.
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the garlic oil, ensuring both sides are well coated. This step is crucial as it helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
Immediately transfer the oiled chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently on both sides to make sure each piece is generously covered. You want a thick, flavorful crust.
Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them into the prepared skillet. Make sure they have a little space between them for even cooking.
Repeat the process until all the chicken is breaded and in the skillet. This step helps in ensuring that every piece is perfectly crispy.
Now, bake the panko chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. As they cook, you’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
Keep an eye on the chicken, especially towards the end of the cooking time. You want it to be cooked through without drying out. It's done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
