The weekend is almost here! In just a few hours the offices are “closing”, which means we can let down our hair buns, take off our stilettos, sit down on a comfy couch and relax. Or will it be the opposite?

Hopefully not.

As most of you know, the work week can be hectic and stressful. During those times it is always nice to have a few key recipes at hand that can be made in less than an hour. After working all day, who has the energy to come home and cook a “full course” meal?

No one, that’s who.

This is the sole reason why today’s Foodie Friday post is for Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. Not only is the recipe tasty and full of flavor, but to put this recipe together you will only need four basic ingredients and about 30 minutes.  That’s it!

Go ahead, take a look….

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 
{slightly adapted from Hellman’s Best Foods}

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 4 tbsp panko crumbs

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Method:

1. Line a flat baking sheet with foil. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Lay chicken thighs on baking sheet. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine together the mayonnaise and Parmesan Cheese.
3. Spread mixture on top of chicken thighs as evenly as possible.
4. Now evenly sprinkle the panko crumbs on top of each chicken thigh.
5. Place chicken in oven and bake for 20 min. or until chicken has cooked thoroughly {You will notice that the chicken juices will run clear when fully cooked}.
6. Serve with cooked rice pilaf, or on a simple bed of freshly washed baby spinach and sliced roma tomatoes as seen in photo.

A few side notes:

1. If you wish to make this dish a little “lighter”, instead of using mayonnaise use about 2/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt. You will want to season the yogurt with either salt and pepper or with 1 tbsp onion salt and 1 tbsp zesty seasoning.
2. If you do not have any panko available, you can use seasoned bread crumbs instead.
3. Instead of using boneless chicken thighs – you can make this recipe with boneless chicken breasts or pork chops – even tenderloin.

Now it’s YOUR turn: What are some of your weekday “go-to” recipes? Let us know in the comments!