Easy 15 Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, juicy, and crispy chicken dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Easy 15-Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is the perfect solution. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. The garlic-infused breading, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creates a golden crust that locks in the juices, making each bite incredibly tender and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
• Flavorful: Garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of Italian seasoning create a perfect balance of savory goodness.
• Juicy Chicken: The simple breading keeps the chicken juicy while creating a satisfying crunch.
• Versatile: Serve it with virtually any side dish for a well-rounded meal.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this flavor-packed chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step helps the breading adhere better and results in crispier chicken.

Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
2. In a separate shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed through the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Next, dip the chicken breast into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks to the chicken. Coat both sides of each breast thoroughly.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil (or melted butter) to help it crisp up while baking.
2. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
3. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the garlic butter and stir to combine. If you’d like a bit of brightness, add lemon juice at this point.
4. Remove the garlic butter from the heat and set it aside.

Step 6: Finish the Chicken

1. Once the chicken is baked and golden, remove it from the oven.
2. Spoon the warm garlic butter sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring it’s generously coated.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated cheese. It melts better and adds more richness.
2. Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which will cook more evenly and faster.
3. Make it Extra Crispy: For an even crispier crust, you can lightly spray the chicken with olive oil before baking, or broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to get that golden brown top.
4. Add a Zesty Kick: If you love a little heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Alternative Protein: You can easily swap the chicken for chicken thighs or even pork chops for a different protein while keeping the same delicious crust.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy 15-Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it versatile for any meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for a balanced, healthy meal.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic, comforting side that pairs well with the crispy chicken.
• Pasta: A simple side of pasta in a garlic butter sauce is always a winner.
• Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re preparing for a busy week, this dish can easily be prepped in advance:

• Prep the Chicken: Coat the chicken in the breading mixture the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This will save you time the next day.
• Garlic Butter: You can also prepare the garlic butter in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it before serving.
• Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

Variations

1. Add Veggies: For a one-pan meal, you can add vegetables to the baking sheet. Try adding broccoli florets, asparagus, or bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic before baking.
2. Parmesan Crust: For an even thicker crust, you can double the amount of Parmesan and breadcrumbs or use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy finish.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives such as rice flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
4. Herb Variations: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe. They are naturally more flavorful and tender, and the baking method will ensure they cook through while remaining juicy.

Q: Can I make this dish without Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor, you can substitute it with any other hard cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if needed.

Q: Can I freeze the chicken after it’s baked?
Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven to restore the crispiness.

Conclusion

This Easy 15-Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly simple to prepare, and versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides. Whether you’re making it for your family, a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers delicious results every time. The garlic and Parmesan flavor combination is a classic, and the crispy, golden crust adds just the right amount of crunch. Try it tonight, and enjoy a meal that’s both fast and full of flavor!

Yield: 4

Easy 15 Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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If you're in the mood for a flavorful, juicy, and crispy chicken dish that doesn't require hours in the kitchen, this Easy 15-Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is the perfect solution. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. The garlic-infused breading, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creates a golden crust that locks in the juices, making each bite incredibly tender and flavorful.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crispiness)
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a shallow dish or plate, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

3. Coat the Chicken

1. Brush each chicken breast with the melted butter and olive oil mixture to help the coating stick.
2. Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly on both sides.

4. Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet.Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Notes

Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time slightly (about 20 minutes for thighs).

Extra Crispiness: For even crispier chicken, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Add Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top of the chicken just before baking or during the last few minutes of cooking.

Herbs: Fresh garlic, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh herb flavor.