Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the rich, savory flavors of a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. This dish is not only flavorful but incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a buttery, garlic-infused Parmesan crust creates an irresistible meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly. If you don’t have a mallet, you can place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or any heavy object to flatten them.

Once the chicken breasts are even in thickness, drizzle olive oil over them, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. This will help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Coating

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded Parmesan contains additives that can affect the crust’s crispiness.
• 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the chicken a beautiful crisp coating. If you prefer, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, though the texture will be slightly different.
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons of garlic powder) – Fresh garlic will provide a more robust flavor, but garlic powder works well for a more subtle taste.
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter – This will help the coating adhere to the chicken and create a golden, crispy crust.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley) – Fresh parsley is a great option if you have it on hand; otherwise, dried works just fine.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional) – Basil complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors, but you can omit it if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional) – Onion powder adds a mild sweetness and depth to the coating.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – If you like a bit of spice, red pepper flakes are an excellent addition.

Stir these ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly moist due to the butter, but not too wet. If it’s too dry, add a little more melted butter or a splash of olive oil.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Now, it’s time to coat the chicken! Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the garlic Parmesan coating, pressing each piece gently into the mixture so that it adheres to the chicken on all sides. Make sure the chicken is generously coated, pressing the mixture into the chicken to form a thick crust.

Once all the chicken breasts are coated, transfer them to a greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. You can use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top of the chicken with any remaining butter, which will help ensure a golden, crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. If you’d like the top to be even crispier, you can broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This rich, creamy sauce will add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.

In a small frying pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version) and bring it to a simmer. Stir constantly to ensure the cream doesn’t curdle. Once it’s heated through, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheese melts into the cream and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more cream or a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. Keep the sauce on low heat while the chicken finishes baking.

Step 7: Serve the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Spoon some of the garlic Parmesan sauce over each chicken breast before serving. The sauce will be rich and creamy, complementing the crispy garlic Parmesan crust perfectly.

You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you like a stronger Parmesan flavor, feel free to sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan on top.

Tips for Success

1. Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can butterfly them (cut them in half horizontally) to reduce the cooking time and ensure they cook evenly.
2. Parmesan Quality: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor.
3. Butter vs. Oil: While butter adds richness to the coating, olive oil can be used as a lighter alternative. You can even use a combination of both.
4. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time, refrigerating it for up to 4 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
5. Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Once cooked, you can store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken will reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
6. Broiling for Crispiness: If you want an even crispier crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be careful not to burn the breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The slight char and caramelization of roasted vegetables complement the richness of the chicken perfectly.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting side that balances the garlic and Parmesan flavors of the chicken.
• Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce will coat the pasta beautifully.
• Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. A simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great option.
• Rice: For a lighter side, serve with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Final Thoughts

The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together the flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and crispy chicken in the most delightful way. With minimal ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes, this dish is versatile and satisfying.

Yield: 4

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe

Print

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the rich, savory flavors of a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. This dish is not only flavorful but incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a buttery, garlic-infused Parmesan crust creates an irresistible meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Make the breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Stir to combine.
5. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the melted garlic butter, making sure it's evenly coated. Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated with the Parmesan mixture.
6. Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot!

Notes

You can add a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the chicken before serving for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a thin layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken breasts during the last 5 minutes of baking.

For a lower-carb option, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed almond flour or ground pork rinds.