Crispy Baked Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

• 6 servings pepper black freshly ground
• 4 teaspoons thyme sprigs fresh finely chopped
• 1 ounce gruyere cheese shredded
• 6 servings kosher salt 
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise 
• 3 tablespoons olive oil plus more to oil the wire rack
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs 
• 1.5 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless
• 0.3 cup milk whole

Equipment

• frying pan
• baking sheet
• oven
• whisk
• wire rack
• plastic wrap
• aluminum foil
• meat tenderizer

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and fit it with a wire rack. Lightly oil the rack and set aside.
2. Place the panko, cheese, and measured oil in a shallow dish, season with salt and pepper, and use your hands to combine evenly.
3. Place the mayonnaise, milk, and thyme in another shallow dish, season with salt and pepper, and whisk to combine. Set both dishes aside.
4. Cut each chicken breast in half crosswise.
5. Place 1 piece between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) with a meat mallet or the bottom of a frying pan.
6. Place on a large plate or second baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.Season both sides of the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip 1 piece of chicken in the mayonnaise mixture and turn to coat. Then dip it in the panko mixture, turn to coat, and press the mixture onto the chicken to adhere.
7. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared wire rack and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces, leaving at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch of space between the pieces.
8. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 40 minutes.