Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 lbs total); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (Or oregano); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and a bit indulgent, Garlic Parmesan Chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a golden, crispy, and flavorful masterpiece with a crunchy Parmesan and garlic coating that hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken offers a beautiful balance of savory, cheesy goodness and tender, juicy meat that everyone will love.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The amazing thing about making Garlic Parmesan Chicken is how straightforward and unpretentious the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make this dish truly unforgettable.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 1.5 pounds of chicken provide lean protein and a blank canvas for all the delicious flavors to shine.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, nutty depth and helps create the irresistible crust we all love.
Breadcrumbs: They give that perfect crunch to the coating and lock in moisture.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic punches up the flavor with its aromatic, bold essence.
Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano or similar herbs adds an earthy, warming note to the crust.
Salt and black pepper: These simple seasonings balance and enhance the other flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: It helps the coating adhere and ensures the crust crisps up just right while keeping the chicken juicy.
Fresh parsley: A bit of chopped parsley as garnish adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the entire dish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for achieving that gorgeous golden crust. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray so your chicken won’t stick and will bake evenly with a nice finish.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Coating Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to make a flavorful, aromatic blend that will become the crispy coating on your chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Breasts

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat each piece evenly. This step keeps the chicken moist and helps the crust stick beautifully. Then press the chicken pieces into the Parmesan mixture, making sure each breast gets a thick, even layer of that garlicky, cheesy crust.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Place your coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them apart so they cook evenly and the coating crisps up perfectly. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C ensures it’s safe and juicy).

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once you take the Garlic Parmesan Chicken out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time is crucial because it lets the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful. Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks beautiful but complements the rich flavors with a bright pop of herbal freshness. For an extra touch, a lemon wedge on the side can add a zesty kick that lightens the richness naturally.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even a fresh garden salad. The crispy, cheesy coating makes it rich, so balancing it with lighter sides creates harmony on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Slice the chicken breasts thinly and fan them out over a bed of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and sautéed garlic. Or serve atop creamy risotto to turn the dish into an elegant feast. You can also serve it over steamed rice with a drizzle of lemon butter sauce for a comforting but fancy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that might be tough), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of its wonderful texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) to warm up the chicken and help maintain the crispiness of the Parmesan coating. Microwave reheating is quicker but can sometimes make the crust soggy, so try to avoid it when possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great with this recipe and tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Is there a vegetarian version of Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

While the classic recipe relies on chicken, you can replicate the crispy Parmesan coating on thick slices of grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute them with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to keep the crunch and flavor intact.

How can I make the garlic flavor more intense?

Feel free to add an extra clove or two of minced garlic into the breadcrumb mixture or mix some roasted garlic into the olive oil before coating the chicken.

What if I don’t have dried Italian herbs?

You can substitute with dried oregano, basil, thyme, or a homemade blend — whatever herbs you have on hand will still make the dish delicious.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken truly feels like a little slice of comfort heaven, simple enough for any night but impressive enough to serve guests. Its crispy, cheesy crust combined with juicy chicken makes for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. So go ahead, gather those humble ingredients, and treat yourself to one of my all-time favorite dishes — I promise, your taste buds will thank you.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A delicious and easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 lbs total)

Coating

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (Or oregano)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking and help the chicken bake evenly.
Prepare Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to create a flavorful coating mixture.
Coat Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Then, dip each chicken breast into the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly so the coating adheres well to the surface.
Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them apart to allow even cooking and browning.
Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

You can substitute dried Italian herbs with oregano or basil depending on preference.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
For a crispier crust, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Letting the chicken rest after baking helps keep it moist and flavorful.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American