Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat but comes together with minimal fuss, look no further than this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken breasts blanketed in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan crust, baked until golden and bubbling, then finished with a shower of fresh parsley. It’s rich, savory, and utterly satisfying—the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table pause and ask for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a reliable classic that brings bold flavor and comfort to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe so irresistible is its simplicity. Just a handful of staple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken to the crispy, cheesy topping.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, protein-packed base that cooks up moist and tender.
- Mayonnaise: This is the secret to a juicy, flavorful crust that keeps the chicken moist—try Greek yogurt for a lighter twist!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings salty, nutty richness and helps form a golden-brown crust.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic, savory depth.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a hint of Mediterranean flair and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Paprika: Just a bit of paprika adds warm color and a subtle smokiness.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper brightens up the dish and adds mild heat.
- Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for that satisfyingly crisp, golden finish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color, but also a fresh, vibrant note to finish the dish.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out, while allowing the topping to turn perfectly golden. Lightly grease your favorite baking dish with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Pat the Chicken Dry
Take your chicken breasts and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This little step helps the delicious Parmesan-garlic topping adhere better and ensures you get that lovely, crisp crust on top.
Step 3: Mix the Parmesan Garlic Spread
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended. The mixture will be thick and creamy—just right for spreading over the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Spread the Parmesan-garlic mixture evenly over the top of each piece, covering the entire surface. Don’t be shy—this is where all the magic happens!
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the coated chicken breasts. The breadcrumbs will toast in the oven, giving your Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe that irresistible crunch with every bite.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is beautifully golden brown. If you like an extra-crispy crust, you can broil it for a minute at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle it generously with chopped fresh parsley. The vibrant green not only looks gorgeous, but also adds a burst of freshness to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley. For an extra pop, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few lemon wedges on the side will add brightness and make the plate sing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or twirls of angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, slice the chicken breast and fan it out over a bed of creamy risotto or herbed couscous. Or, tuck slices into a warm sandwich roll with arugula and a smear of pesto for a gourmet chicken sandwich. The versatility of this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe means you can make it as fancy—or as homey—as you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making leftovers just as tasty for lunch or another easy dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe after baking! Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the breadcrumb topping crispy, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust a bit soggy. If you must use the microwave, try reheating in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and richer in flavor. Just adjust the baking time as needed—thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. Every other ingredient in this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the chicken up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter or different flavor profile, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of mayonnaise, offering the same creamy texture with a bit more tang.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer—the chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The juices should also run clear, and the topping will be golden brown.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe, it’s bound to become a new staple in your kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive—exactly the kind of meal that draws everyone to the table. Give it a go, share it with friends or family, and enjoy every garlicky, cheesy bite!
Print
Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy baked Parmesan garlic chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the sauce adheres properly.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Spread the prepared mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering them completely.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the coated chicken breasts to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the tops are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute plain Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat.
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
