Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease with olive oil or spray.

Pound chicken to even thickness if needed—about ¾ inch is ideal for even cooking.

In a shallow bowl, mix together Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Brush each piece of chicken lightly with olive oil (or spray), then press it into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides well.

Place the chicken on the prepared sheet pan. If you’ve got extra breadcrumb mix, sprinkle it on top of the chicken for even more crispiness.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it.

Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of parsley, if desired.