If there’s one dish that guarantees oohs and aahs whenever it hits the table, it’s this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Picture juicy chicken breasts wrapped in a crispy, garlicky, cheesy coating that’s golden brown and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent, yet couldn’t be simpler to put together. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress at your next family gathering, this recipe promises big flavor with minimal fuss—a combination I know you’ll fall for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe lies in its handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something special to the party—crunch, flavor, or irresistible aroma—making every bite just a little more magical.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, juicy results and easy prep.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and boosts that savory, nutty flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Panko will give more crunch, while regular breadcrumbs create an even, golden coat—choose what you love!
- Garlic powder: Adds that subtle, warming garlic taste throughout each bite.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings depth and a hint of earthiness to the crust.
- Salt: Just enough to lift all the flavors and make the chicken sing.
- Black pepper: For a touch of heat and plenty of depth.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that luscious, crispy texture while keeping things heart-healthy.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps everything brown to perfection.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley brightens up the finished dish and adds a lovely splash of color.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—you want a hot oven to get that irresistible crispy finish! Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. A good base means your chicken won’t stick and ensures even browning.
Step 2: Mix Up the Parmesan-Breadcrumb Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a thorough stir to make sure every breadcrumb gets evenly coated in cheesy, herby goodness—this will make the crust flavorful all the way through.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Dip
Next, take a small bowl and mix together the olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic. This trio forms the foundation of the dish’s garlicky flavor and helps the coating stick beautifully to the chicken. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast first into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring it’s slicked on both sides. Then, press it into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, turning it to coat all over. If you want an extra-crunchy finish, mound a little more of the coating right on top.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place your coated chicken breasts snugly in the prepared baking dish. If there’s any garlic butter left, drizzle it over the chicken for even more flavor. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is crisp, golden, and cooked through (look for an internal temp of 165°F / 74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to seal in all those lovely juices.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and a breath of freshness—don’t skip this if you love a little brightness to cut through that cheesy richness. If you’re feeling extra, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon can work wonders.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is fantastic served with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or some buttery roasted vegetables. If you want to turn it into a real Italian-inspired feast, nestle the chicken over a tangle of spaghetti or buttery noodles and let those savory juices mingle.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and layering it on a bed of Caesar salad or turn leftovers into crispy chicken sandwiches with a slather of pesto-mayo. For a fun twist, you can even chop the chicken and toss it into warm pasta for a quick homemade chicken parmesan bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making the next-day leftovers almost as delicious as the original.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your chicken for later, let it cool completely first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. To preserve crispiness, avoid freezing with too much sauce or extra moisture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and edges are crispy. You can also use an air fryer for extra crunch! The microwave is handy, but it may soften the coating, so use it only if time is tight.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious, juicy alternative. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes in the oven due to their slightly higher fat content and thickness. Adjust the cooking time until you hit that safe internal temperature.
What kind of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a block is best for both flavor and melting quality. Pre-grated cheese will work in a hurry, but if you want to level up your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, reach for the good stuff.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. All the other ingredients in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt it for any guest with dietary restrictions.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have one, just slice into the center—it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You sure can. Bread the chicken and arrange it in your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When ready to bake, bring it slightly to room temperature, drizzle any reserved garlic butter on top, and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a comfort food classic that’s simple enough for busy nights but impressive enough for company. I hope you’ll get as much joy from making (and devouring!) this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe as I do. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new go-to favorite at your table!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, flavorful coating. Baked to perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the garlic butter mixture, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispy texture, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- You can also slice the chicken and serve it over pasta or salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
