Garlic Parmesan Chicken

If there’s one recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family, it’s Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden, crispy Parmesan crust, flavored with a perfect blend of garlic and herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make. You can have everything prepped and on the table in just under 45 minutes, and the ingredients are simple—most of them are probably already in your pantry. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or your favorite veggies. Whatever you choose, Garlic Parmesan Chicken will steal the show with its irresistible crispy coating and savory flavors.

This recipe has become a go-to in my household. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a little indulgence but is still wholesome and homemade. My family can never get enough of that crispy, cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a regular in your rotation too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

Despite how impressive it looks and tastes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few steps—seasoning, coating, and baking—you’ll have a dish that looks like it took hours to prepare.

2. Perfectly Crispy

The secret to the irresistible crunch lies in the Parmesan coating. Combined with panko breadcrumbs, the chicken bakes up with the perfect crispy, golden crust that locks in all the juiciness.

3. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love the flavors of this dish. The garlic and Parmesan offer a delicious savory flavor that’s not too overpowering, and the crunchy texture is always a hit.

4. Versatile

Serve it with anything! This chicken goes great with a variety of sides, from pasta and mashed potatoes to fresh veggies or a crisp side salad. It’s also fantastic on its own as a protein-packed main course.

5. Packed with Flavor

The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs gives the chicken a rich, savory taste. Each bite is packed with flavor, and the crispy coating keeps everything extra satisfying.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 420
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 23g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy coating)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated for the coating)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Why These Ingredients?

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean source of protein. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy Japanese breadcrumbs create a super crispy coating, perfect for achieving that crunchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: The star of the show! Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the garlic and gives the chicken a nice crust.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic enhances the flavor of the chicken and pairs perfectly with Parmesan. You can also use fresh garlic for a more pronounced flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Eggs: Help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and create a nice golden crust.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and oil adds richness to the coating and helps the chicken turn golden brown in the oven.
• Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a fresh, herbal note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a crispy, flavorful meal in no time!

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Take the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, setting them aside while you prepare the breading.

Pro Tip: Pounding the chicken helps it cook more quickly and evenly. If your chicken breasts are especially thick, you can slice them in half horizontally for thinner cutlets.

3. Set Up the Breading Station

• In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• In another shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
• In a third bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

4. Coat the Chicken

• First, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
• Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, coating both sides thoroughly.
• Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the crispy, cheesy mixture.

Pro Tip: Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken with your hands to help it adhere better, creating a thicker, crunchier crust.

5. Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Drizzle olive oil onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it around evenly. This will help the chicken get crispy on the bottom as it bakes.
• Place the breaded chicken breasts onto the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching.

6. Add Butter for Extra Crispiness

• Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts. This adds richness to the coating and helps it turn a beautiful golden brown in the oven.

7. Bake the Chicken

• Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• If you want the chicken extra crispy, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked. Overcooking can dry it out, but hitting 165°F ensures juicy chicken every time.

8. Garnish and Serve

• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are a few delicious ways to serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken:

• With Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta with a simple marinara or Alfredo sauce and serve the chicken on top for a hearty, Italian-inspired meal.
• With a Side Salad: Serve the chicken alongside a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious and colorful side.
• As a Sandwich: Slice the chicken and serve it on a crusty roll with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of garlic aioli for a delicious chicken sandwich.
• Over Rice: A bed of fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up any extra buttery, garlicky goodness from the chicken.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken comes out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting and browning properly. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture.

2. Don’t Skip the Pounding

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key to ensuring it cooks evenly and stays juicy. If the chicken is too thick, it can overcook on the outside before the inside is done.

3. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan

Make sure the chicken breasts aren’t touching on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will trap steam and prevent the chicken from getting crispy.

4. Let the Chicken Rest

Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

5. Make It Extra Crispy

For an even crispier crust, you can toast the panko breadcrumbs in a little olive oil before coating the chicken. This gives the breadcrumbs a head start on browning

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Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

1. Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle the finished chicken with a bit of hot sauce.

2. Gluten-Free Version

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

3. Low-Carb Option

For a low-carb version, replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. This will still give you a crispy crust without the carbs.

4. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

For a fun, kid-friendly twist, cut the chicken breasts into strips and follow the same breading and baking process to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Perfect for dipping in ranch or marinara sauce!

5. Air-Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken

If you prefer to use an air fryer, you can! Follow the same breading instructions, then air fry the chicken at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the coating again.

Freezing: You can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken breasts for later use. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cook time.

Special Equipment

• Meat Mallet: For pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Shallow Bowls: Perfect for setting up your breading station.
• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet ensures even cooking and gives the chicken room to crisp up.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well too. They’ll take slightly longer to cook, so be sure to check the internal temperature.

Can I use store-bought grated Parmesan?

For the best flavor and texture, freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, but store-bought will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s finely grated so it mixes well with the breadcrumbs.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken ahead by breading it, then refrigerating the breaded chicken for up to a day before baking.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work. For a lighter, crispier texture, you can also use crushed cornflakes.

Can I pan-fry this chicken instead of baking it?

Yes! You can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, delicious recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or even meal prep. The combination of crispy Parmesan coating and savory garlic flavor makes every bite a treat. Plus, with its versatility and family-friendly appeal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

I’d love to see how your Garlic Parmesan Chicken turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to hear how much your family loved it. Happy cooking!

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