Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Dinner

Introduction

When you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This dish features juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy, and garlicky crust that is irresistible from the very first bite. Baked to golden perfection, this chicken is an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, the rich flavor of garlic and Parmesan pairs perfectly with nearly any side dish.

What makes this recipe so special is how simple and straightforward it is. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this dish, yet it tastes like something you’d find at a fancy restaurant. The chicken is moist on the inside while the exterior is crisp and flavorful, thanks to the combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs.

I’ve made this recipe countless times for my family, and every time it’s met with rave reviews. It’s one of those dishes that manages to be both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions. And the best part? You don’t need any complicated techniques or a ton of ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a little time in the oven.

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, this dish can be on the table in less than an hour.
• Perfectly Crispy: The Parmesan and breadcrumb crust gives the chicken an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs provides a rich, savory flavor that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings and even swap out the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer.
• Healthy-ish: While it’s certainly indulgent, this recipe is baked, not fried, so it’s lighter than traditional breaded and fried chicken.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
• Calories: 400
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts cook evenly and are the perfect base for the flavorful coating.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken and creating a light, crispy crust.
• 1 large egg: Helps the breading stick to the chicken.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs provide an ultra-crispy coating for the chicken. You can substitute regular breadcrumbs if you prefer, but panko gives the best crunch.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic and breadcrumbs.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: A key ingredient that gives the dish its signature garlic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a savory, herby flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herb that adds a touch of warmth to the dish.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and ensuring the breading is perfectly flavored.

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the garlic sauce. Butter adds richness and helps the garlic and Parmesan meld together.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce an aromatic punch that infuses the chicken with flavor.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds even more Parmesan flavor to the dish and creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the richness of the sauce.
• Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a burst of acidity to balance the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the middle for even cooking. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In three shallow bowls, prepare:

• Bowl 1: Flour, seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Bowl 2: Beaten egg.
• Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating well on all sides. Repeat for each piece.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Once the chicken is done, spoon the garlic Parmesan sauce over each breast. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!

How to Serve

With Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the garlic Parmesan chicken over a bed of pasta. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all great options. Drizzle some of the garlic Parmesan sauce over the pasta for extra flavor.

With Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini are the perfect accompaniment. Their natural sweetness balances the richness of the chicken.

On a Salad: For a lighter meal, slice the baked chicken and serve it on top of a fresh green salad. Add a little extra dressing or some extra Parmesan cheese for more flavor.

With Garlic Bread: Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for dipping into the leftover garlic Parmesan sauce. The crispy bread complements the rich, savory chicken perfectly.

Additional Tips

1. Pound the Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, consider using a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and ensures the crust stays crisp.
2. Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic adds a more intense flavor to the dish. Be sure to sauté the garlic carefully so it doesn’t burn.
3. Make It Extra Crispy: If you prefer your chicken to have an extra-crunchy coating, try briefly broiling the chicken after baking it. Just place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy.
4. Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or even a little cheddar cheese on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy, gooey finish.
5. Season the Chicken: Don’t forget to season the chicken itself with salt and pepper before breading it. This ensures the chicken has flavor on its own, not just from the coating.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Heat: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle some hot sauce over the chicken after it’s baked.
2. Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. Thighs are naturally more flavorful and tender.
3. Herb Variations: Swap out the dried oregano and basil for other herbs you enjoy. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon would all work beautifully in this recipe.
4. Lighter Version: For a lighter version, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or swap the butter in the sauce for olive oil. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese in the sauce to make it a little less rich.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftover baked garlic Parmesan chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken stays juicy and the crust remains crispy.

Freezing: You can freeze the chicken before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the breaded chicken and place it on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer the chicken to a freezer bag or airtight container. To bake from frozen, simply add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the crust may not stay as crispy.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will stay extra juicy and flavorful.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This allows the coating to set and ensures a crispier finish.

How can I make the chicken spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle buffalo sauce over the chicken after baking.

Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese in place of Parmesan, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy, delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The crispy Parmesan crust, combined with the savory garlic sauce, makes this chicken irresistible. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Don’t forget to share your results! I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you, and if you make any tasty modifications, let me know! Happy cooking!

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