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; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re hunting for a dinner that truly wows without a marathon in the kitchen, Garlic Parmesan Chicken is destined to be a new favorite. Picture juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts crowned with a creamy, savory blend of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs—it’s that beautiful comfort food spot where simplicity meets sophistication. Quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company, this recipe is the kind of meal that everyone reaches for seconds, and no one can believe how easy it was to make!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a peek at the line-up: Every ingredient in Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a star player in its own right. Each one works its magic to deliver a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and gloriously golden up top. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for faster cooking and juicy, meaty texture—trim if needed for even size.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth and helps form that crave-worthy crust up top.
Mayonnaise: This is the secret to a moist, creamy topping that browns perfectly (swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter spin!).
Garlic: Freshly minced packs bold, aromatic flavor in every bite—don’t skimp here.
Italian Seasoning: A pinch of this brings gentle herby complexity, tying all the flavors together.
Salt and Pepper: Just a bit of seasoning ensures the flavors pop.
Olive Oil: Drizzling on top keeps things moist and promotes a lovely golden finish.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, grassy finish—totally worth it if you have some on hand.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when you need it. Then, in a small mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it transforms into a rich, creamy mixture flecked with herbs and garlic—this will be the flavorful crown of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this step is essential since it helps the Parmesan topping stick and promotes even browning. Line up the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, making sure they don’t overlap so every piece gets covered evenly and cooks through perfectly.

Step 3: Slather and Drizzle

Spread the lush garlic-Parmesan mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast, using the back of a spoon or a spatula. You’ll want to coat every inch to lock in moisture and flavor. Once that’s done, drizzle the olive oil evenly over the topping—this ensures a glossy, golden finish as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake and Broil

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it’s reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Want that extra bit of irresistible browned crust? Pop the dish under the broiler for just 2 minutes at the end—keep a close eye to avoid burning. This final step gives Garlic Parmesan Chicken its signature golden edge.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking—this keeps it juicy when sliced. Sprinkle on the fresh parsley for color and a hint of brightness before serving. Now, revel in the incredible aroma and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is classic, but don’t stop there—try a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing. A quick scatter of fresh chives or a dusting of cracked black pepper brings a beautiful final touch.

Side Dishes

This chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve alongside roasted veggies for a low-carb dinner, plate it with buttery mashed potatoes, or pair with a twirl of pasta tossed in olive oil and a dash of lemon. Even a crisp green salad shines as a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style approach, slice the chicken and fan it out on a beautiful platter with a shower of fresh herbs. Or, if you’re feeling playful, tuck strips of Garlic Parmesan Chicken into warm sandwich rolls with a slather of pesto for a fantastic lunch. It’s also a showstopper atop a Caesar salad with garlic croutons!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by sealing tightly in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and your Garlic Parmesan Chicken will stay tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for easy lunches or meal prep.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece individually or store all together in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, it’ll maintain its flavor and texture for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, pop the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Want to avoid dryness? Add a splash of chicken broth to the baking dish and cover loosely with foil. The creamy topping stays luscious and the chicken stays juicy—microwave works in a pinch, but oven is best for that signature melt-in-your-mouth bite.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to stay even juicier, just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may require a few extra minutes in the oven.

How can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken lighter?

It’s a breeze to lighten things up—simply swap the mayonnaise for non-fat plain Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy, tangy topping with fewer calories and a boost of protein.

Is freshly grated Parmesan better than pre-grated?

Yes, if you can swing it! Freshly grated Parmesan has more flavor and melts more smoothly into the sauce. That said, good-quality pre-grated cheese will still make a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I prep Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Totally—assemble the chicken with the topping a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it an awesome option for dinner parties or busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to know the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safely cooked and stays juicy inside—no guesswork needed!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dinner that makes everyone around your table swoon, it’s time to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and delivers on both comfort and flavor. Give it a try—this is one recipe you’ll turn to again and again!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

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

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Description

This delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and spices, then baked to perfection. It’s an easy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a greased baking dish.
Coat the chicken: Spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Optional broil: Broil for 2 minutes to brown the top.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.