Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crisp); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If there ever was a dish that deserves a spotlight at your dinner table, it’s Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Imagine juicy chicken breasts coated in a blanket of golden cheesy crispness, kissed with garlic and Italian herbs, and finished with a shower of fresh parsley for that perfect hint of green. This is the kind of easy, family-pleasing main course that feels like a celebration, but comes together with absolute weeknight simplicity. Whether you’re a busy home cook or entertaining friends, Garlic Parmesan Chicken checks all the boxes: big flavor, minimal fuss, and a delicious crunch in every bite.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, working together to create irresistible flavor and texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap too much — these essentials are truly what make the dish shine.

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and a tender bite every time.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is the star, lending salty, nutty flavor and a gorgeously crisp crust.
Bread Crumbs (optional): For extra crunch, a handful of breadcrumbs works beautifully, though you can leave them out for a gluten-free version.
Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, deep garlic note that permeates every bite for classic comfort.
Italian Seasoning: This blend delivers herbaceous, aromatic undertones that pair perfectly with chicken and cheese.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors and keeping the dish savory and balanced.
Black Pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Creates moisture, helps the crust adhere, and adds richness to the whole dish.
Fresh Garlic: Minced cloves infuse the chicken with a bolder garlic punch and amazing aroma.
Chopped Parsley (optional): For a fresh, bright finish and extra appeal on the plate.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which ensures your chicken bakes up juicy inside and golden on the outside. Lightly coat a baking dish with oil or lay down some parchment paper on a sheet pan for an easy clean-up later. Setting the stage is quick and sets you up for delicious success.

Step 2: Mix Up the Crunchy Parmesan Coating

In a small bowl, stir together your grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This isn’t just any coating — it’s the secret to the irresistible crisp and savory hit that makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken unforgettable.

Step 3: Make a Garlic-Infused Oil

Grab another small bowl and blend your olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic. This mixture is not only super aromatic, but it also helps the Parmesan coating cling beautifully to each chicken breast.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Brush both sides of every chicken breast with the garlicky oil (get those edges too!). Then, press each piece into the Parmesan coating so the entire surface is generously crusted. Don’t be shy — the more even and thick the coating, the more delicious the final crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Lay the coated chicken pieces into your prepared dish or pan. Slide them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the coating is golden and the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). If you’re craving extra crunch, give them a quick blast under the broiler for a minute or two right at the end.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken rest for 5 minutes. This tiny pause keeps every bite juicy and allows the flavors to settle. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a classic, lending a pop of color and a nice herbal lift, but a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of extra Parmesan doesn’t hurt. Consider thin lemon slices or even a little cracked black pepper on top for just a touch more pizazz.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a peppery arugula salad. Roasted vegetables are always a hit, especially broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. If you want a light meal, serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken over a bed of fresh greens for an effortless dinner salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Slicing the chicken and presenting it family-style on a platter makes a lovely centerpiece, especially when topped with extra parsley and Parmesan. Try serving over creamy polenta, alongside risotto, or tucked in a hearty sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomatoes for a fun twist. Leftovers are fantastic sliced cold in wraps or on a Caesar salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Garlic Parmesan Chicken left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further, so it’s wonderful to enjoy for lunch the next day or as part of a meal prep plan.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken! Wrap the cooked and cooled chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will stay at its best for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the coating crispy, reheat chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, rather than microwaving. If you’re in a hurry, a quick toast in a hot skillet works as well. Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan before serving for a little extra flair.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and just as delicious. Adjust the baking time as needed so they cook all the way through, usually a few minutes longer than breasts.

Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken gluten-free?

It certainly can be! Just substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breadcrumbs entirely. The dish still turns out wonderfully crisp from the Parmesan and seasoning blend alone.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and coat the chicken ahead of time, then keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. For the freshest coating texture, though, baking just before serving is best.

What’s the best way to get an extra crispy crust?

For added crunch, finish the baked chicken under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn; that last boost of heat amps up the parmesan layer fantastically.

How do I make sure my chicken is cooked perfectly?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken hits 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy, fully cooked meat without drying it out.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about serving up Garlic Parmesan Chicken — it’s comforting, rewarding, and always met with big smiles. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that’s both low-stress and crowd-pleasing, give this one a try. It just might become the new star of your weeknight rotation!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a crispy coating on tender chicken breasts, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating:

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crisp)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Oil Mixture:

3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Mix coating: Combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Prepare garlic oil: Mix olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic in a separate bowl.
Coat chicken: Brush chicken with garlic oil, then coat with the Parmesan mixture.
Bake: Place chicken in the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.