Elsie's Garlic Chicken (oven baked)

In our house this dish is called "Stacey's Mom's Chicken."  Now that I am a mother myself, I am acutely aware of the degree to which we lose our identity once we have children and renamed the dish to give credit where credit is due. Stacey is a childhood friend I met back in first grade. We grew up together and share many fond memories from "back in the day."  I love how food often comes with a little memory or story to be told.  That's why this recipe is special.  After having dinner at her house one evening, I told my mom about this chicken dish that was "way better than any chicken recipe we ever had at our house."  (As a parent I now know that other people's food always tastes better so I'm sure she was not at all insulted by my comment.)  I'm so glad my mother ignored my obnoxious, teenage attitude and called Elsie to get the recipe from her!  It is made almost weekly at our house.  A family favorite for sure!   Thank you Elsie! And you too, Stacey :)

Prep Ahead Plan:  I like to bread the chicken the night before and leave it in the fridge overnight on a pan, ready to be baked .

Ingredients:
5 T butter
1 clove garlic minced
2/3 cup bread crumbs
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
dash of salt and pepper
4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1.  Melt butter and garlic in a bowl in the microwave.
2.  Combine bread crumbs, cheese, parsley and salt and pepper in a bowl or on a piece of tin foil. I like to mix the breadcrumb mixture on a large piece of foil.
3.  Spray a pan with cooking spray.  Dip a piece of chicken in the melted garlic butter and then coat with breadcrumb mixture and place on pan.  Repeat with remaining chicken.
4.  If you have remaining breadcrumbs and butter, mix them together and sprinkle them over chicken.
5.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken!