Step 1:

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for the chicken breasts.

Step 2:

Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, start by pounding them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will ensure even cooking. Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3:

Prepare the Breading
In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 4:

Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, coating both sides. Then, press the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Lightly press down to adhere the bread crumbs well. Set the breaded chicken aside on a plate.

Step 5:

Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they are golden brown. This will give the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage since they will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 6:

Bake the Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 7:

Prepare the Parmesan Crust Topping
While the chicken is baking, prepare the Parmesan cheese crust topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone (or white cheddar), and ranch dressing if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 8:

Add the Parmesan Crust
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and spoon the Parmesan cheese topping over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and place the baking sheet back into the oven.

Step 9:

Broil for a Golden Finish
Turn your oven to broil and cook the chicken for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 10:

Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!