Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Quick & Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe For Weeknight Magic

Crispy, golden chicken with garlic parmesan chicken recipe magic creates a mouthwatering dinner that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Fragrant herbs and rich cheese blend into a comforting main course.

Weeknight meals rarely get this delicious without complicated steps.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients can produce such incredible flavor combinations.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this classic dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Your kitchen will smell incredible while preparing this crowd-pleasing meal.

Grab a skillet and let’s make something extraordinary that everyone will devour.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Is So Tasty

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Is So Tasty
  • Quickly Prepare Gourmet Meal: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal ingredients and simple steps that anyone can master.
  • Boost Flavor with Minimal Effort: Combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs to create a crispy, zesty coating that elevates plain chicken into a mouthwatering experience.
  • Perfect for Busy Families: Whip up a delicious dinner in under an hour with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee a crowd-pleasing meal.
  • Versatile Dinner Option: Pair with various sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or pasta to create a complete and satisfying meal suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for this flavorful dish.
Coating and Seasoning:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, savory exterior that adds texture and rich flavor to the chicken.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic punch to the coating.
  • Oregano, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and depth to the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps the coating adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning.
  • Parchment Paper: Optional lining that prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dish

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dish

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or covering with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Finely chopped garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a deliciously seasoned coating.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.

This helps the seasoning stick and creates a beautiful golden exterior.

Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto both sides of each chicken breast, making sure the coating adheres well.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the coated chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which ensures it’s fully cooked and juicy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Serve the chicken warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy exterior and succulent interior.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before coating to help the Parmesan mixture stick better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Check chicken at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking, as thickness of chicken breasts can vary and impact cooking duration.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Brush chicken with a thin layer of mayonnaise before adding breadcrumb mixture to keep meat juicy and tender.
  • Swap dried herbs for fresh ones like thyme or basil to add unique flavor dimensions to the classic recipe.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Garlic Herb Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Herbed Chicken: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for those with dairy restrictions.
  • Mediterranean Spiced Chicken: Swap oregano and parsley with za'atar spice blend and add lemon zest for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.

What Complements Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

  • Pasta Paradise: Serve the chicken over a bed of al dente linguine or spaghetti tossed with light olive oil and fresh herbs.
  • Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
  • Veggie Sidekick: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus alongside the chicken to create a colorful and nutritious plate.
  • Comfort Plate: Create a homestyle dinner by serving with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted garlic rice for a satisfying comfort food experience.

Best Storage for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 2-3 minutes to crisp coating.
  • Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy coating and even cooking.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain the crispy texture.

  • What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block for the most robust flavor and best coating consistency.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic parmesan chicken delivers a mouthwatering symphony of Italian-inspired flavors. Crispy golden chicken breasts coated in a rich parmesan crust promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each perfectly seasoned bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Cheese and Breading:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) Panko breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray or parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Create a flavorful coating by thoroughly combining grated Parmesan, crisp breadcrumbs, aromatic minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh parsley, and seasoning.
  3. Gently massage chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage for optimal adherence of the herb-cheese mixture.
  4. Carefully press the Parmesan coating onto both sides of each chicken breast, creating a uniform and dense crust that will crisp during baking.
  5. Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish, ensuring pieces do not touch each other for even heat circulation.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring the surface to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior and ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
  7. Once cooked, remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
  8. Serve immediately while warm, presenting the beautifully crusted chicken with your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for a more intense and vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese to ensure a rich, authentic taste that truly complements the chicken.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy texture.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique flavor variations that suit your personal taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 296 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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