Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated when it’s time to bake the chicken. As the oven heats up, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step is essential because removing excess moisture helps the seasonings and crust adhere better to the chicken. Once dry, generously season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed across the entire surface of each chicken breast.

Next, heat a small amount of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Allow the skillet to heat up until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s ready for searing. This will create that crispy outer layer that locks in the moisture. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken all the way through but to sear the outside to create a golden crust while keeping the inside moist. After both sides are seared, remove the skillet from the heat, allowing the chicken to rest while you prepare the cheesy crust.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Crust

Now it’s time to make the crispy, cheesy topping! In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir the mixture until it’s well-combined and crumbly, but it should still stick together when pressed. This is your Parmesan crust mixture. For extra flavor, you can add in dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder. If you like a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes will provide a nice kick.

Take the seared chicken breasts and place one slice of Provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast. The cheese should begin melting slightly from the residual heat of the chicken. After that, evenly distribute the Parmesan-Panko mixture on top of the Provolone cheese slices, gently pressing it down so it sticks. The more you press it, the crispier and more flavorful the topping will be once baked.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

With the chicken prepared, it’s time to bake. Carefully transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the crust has turned golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as you want the crust to be crisp, but not too dark. For an even crispier, golden top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This will give the topping a slightly charred, crunchy finish that everyone loves.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, ensuring that each bite is tender and juicy. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This step is optional, but it adds a nice pop of green and a subtle flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Now, the chicken is ready to serve! For the best results, serve it immediately while the cheese is still melty and the crust is crispy. This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad. You could also serve it with pasta or steamed rice for a filling, satisfying meal.