Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
If you’re hunting for a dinner that’s both ridiculously flavorful and supremely easy, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This recipe brings together the rich, nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese and the heady aroma of garlic, all wrapped around tender, juicy chicken. It’s weeknight-friendly but fancy enough to impress company, making it a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken is how it manages to shine with just a handful of accessible ingredients. Each one has its own part to play, from the savory kick of garlic to the crispiness of the breadcrumbs—everything here truly matters.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a blank canvas that soaks up all the cheesy, garlicky flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for maximum melt and nutty, salty goodness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter acts as both a binder and a rich flavor base—don’t skimp!
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the entire dish with robust flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Bring on the crunch! They help create that golden, crispy coating everyone loves.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season just right to enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A pinch of herbs lifts and rounds out the entire flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds a fresh, colorful finish—perfect for garnishing.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures your chicken doesn’t stick and helps everything brown evenly.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A quick spritz of cooking spray or a drizzle of oil in your baking dish will set you up for easy serving later and save you from any dreaded cleanup scrubbing.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together your melted butter and freshly minced garlic. This step is almost magical—the aroma that comes from combining these two is the start of what makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken so hard to resist.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Breadcrumb Coating
Combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in another bowl. This is the secret to achieving that crave-worthy, crispy, golden crust that’s the hallmark of the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Breasts
Now, for the fun part: dip each chicken breast into the garlic butter mixture, making sure you get it nicely soaked. Next, press each piece firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix so every inch is coated in flavor.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Lay your coated chicken breasts in the prepared dish. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top for an extra layer of richness. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the coating is crisp and the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) inside. If you crave more crunch, slip the chicken under the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked to golden perfection, sprinkle your finished Garlic Parmesan Chicken with fresh chopped parsley for that extra dose of freshness and vibrant color. Now, get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
I love a generous scatter of freshly chopped parsley, but you can also try basil or even a few shreds of extra Parmesan to amp up both flavor and visual appeal. A light squeeze of lemon on top just before serving can add a delightful brightness, too.
Side Dishes
This dish shines next to simple sides: think buttery mashed potatoes, a tangle of angel hair pasta, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad tossed in your favorite vinaigrette. The richness of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken balances perfectly with lighter, fresh accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and layer it over pasta Alfredo for a creamy, decadent supper, or use it as the star protein in a sandwich or wrap with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices. For parties, cut the chicken into strips and serve with a garlic aioli for a fun finger food twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, tuck any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to three days, making it an easy grab for quick lunches or another satisfying dinner.
Freezing
Garlic Parmesan Chicken also freezes beautifully! Place the cooled, cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. For the best texture, try to eat it within two months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep that gorgeous crust, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. A microwave works in a pinch, but the oven preserves the crispness so much better.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor to Garlic Parmesan Chicken, but since they’re a bit fattier and often smaller, you may want to adjust the baking time—just watch for that golden crust and check that the internal temp hits 165°F.
Is it better to use store-bought grated Parmesan or freshly grated?
Freshly grated Parmesan is always my preference for this recipe. Its texture helps create a crispier coating and its flavor is leagues above anything pre-grated—totally worth the extra couple of minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety, and the rest of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe remains exactly the same—no flavor compromised.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The key is using a meat thermometer. Once your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s perfectly cooked—juicy, tender, and safe to eat.
Are there any ways to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken even crispier?
I love to finish this dish by broiling the chicken for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end of the bake. You’ll get a deeper golden color and irresistible crunch. Just keep a close eye—broilers work fast!
Final Thoughts
Give Garlic Parmesan Chicken a spot in your dinner rotation and get ready for rave reviews from your table. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough to whip up on a busy night yet special enough to serve for company. Once you taste that crispy, cheesy, garlicky bite, you’ll eagerly come back for more—so don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to recipe!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make baked chicken dish coated with a flavorful blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and breadcrumbs. This recipe results in tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, golden crust that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Others:
- cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic.
- Mix coating ingredients: In another bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the garlic butter, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish, drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
