Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe to Try Now
If you’re craving a flavorful and effortless dinner that never disappoints, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with a savory blend of garlic, creamy parmesan, and juicy chicken, this dish combines crunchy golden crust with tender, succulent meat for a mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or impressing guests, Garlic Parmesan Chicken delivers irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples so you can whip it up anytime without stress.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Delicious Flavor Blend: The perfect marriage of garlic and parmesan creates a rich, savory taste.
- Family Friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults with a comforting, familiar flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Works great as a main course or paired with a variety of sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe keeps things straightforward while maximizing flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role to ensure the perfect texture, color, and taste that makes this dish shine.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide tenderness and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a bold aroma and essential taste foundation.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan brings a nutty, salty richness that crisps up when cooked.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy coating that contrasts the juicy chicken.
- Butter: Used to sauté and bring richness, helping meld the flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a classic herb blend for additional flavor depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Feel free to personalize this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe by tinkering with different ingredients or adjustments to accommodate dietary needs and flavor preferences. It’s super easy to switch things up.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle heat burst.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts for thighs to enjoy a juicier, more flavorful cut.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mince fresh garlic and grate the parmesan. Set up your breading station by mixing the parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry to help the coating stick better. Dip each piece in melted butter, then dredge thoroughly in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure full coverage.
Step 3: Sear for Crunch
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Place the coated chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side to create a golden brown crust.
Step 4: Bake to Finish
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest a few minutes once out of the oven to lock in juices before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Dry Chicken: Patting your chicken dry before coating ensures a crispier crust.
- Even Coating: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken for maximum crunch.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer aiming for 165°F to keep the chicken perfectly juicy.
- Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the best flavor and texture.
- Rest Time: Let the chicken rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute for tender bites.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
Top your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan for an eye-catching, flavorful finish that adds brightness to the dish.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs brilliantly with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus, or even a fresh leafy salad to balance its richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and serve atop a bed of fettuccine tossed in olive oil and herbs for a quick pasta dish, or stack it over creamy polenta for a cozy, elegant meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
Freeze portions wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness, or use a skillet over medium heat to revive that crunchy exterior without drying the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor, making them a delicious alternative to breasts in this recipe.
Is this recipe Gluten-Free?
Not by default, but you can swap traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure the chicken is patted dry and thoroughly coated with butter before pressing the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the surface.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the flavors while avoiding dairy.
What side dishes pair best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad complement this chicken perfectly and balance the dish.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those dishes that feels both fancy and homey at the same time, making it an instant favorite in any household. Its combination of vibrant garlic, rich parmesan, and tender chicken is simply unbeatable, especially when you’re short on time but still want something that tastes like you put in serious effort. Give this recipe a try tonight, and watch it become your go-to for delicious, fuss-free meals!
Related Posts
- Easy Zucchini Noodles Recipes to Try Today
- Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a crispy garlic, parmesan, and breadcrumb crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines a savory, rich garlic and parmesan flavor with a crunchy golden exterior and juicy interior, perfect for busy weeknights or serving guests. Versatile and family-friendly, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be adapted to suit dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 4 tbsp butter (melted, plus extra for skillet)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mince the fresh garlic and grate the parmesan cheese. In a shallow dish, mix together the parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the breading mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat each chicken breast dry to remove excess moisture. Dip each piece into melted butter, then dredge thoroughly in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks evenly and fully covers the chicken.
- Sear for Crunch: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before coating promotes a crispier crust.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken for maximum crunchiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Always use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking for tender, juicy bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, chicken breast recipe, weeknight dinner, parmesan crusted chicken, family dinner, quick chicken recipe