Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken for how easy it is to prepare while delivering bold, satisfying flavors. The juicy, tender chicken paired with the rich blend of garlic and Parmesan creates a perfect comfort meal. It works well for weeknight dinners and is elegant enough to serve when I have guests over. Plus, the crispy coating gives it an irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, I mix grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- I coat the chicken with olive oil or melted butter to help the crust stick.
- I press each chicken piece into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring it’s well coated on all sides.
- I place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
- I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes add a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- For a spicier version, I mix in some crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Swapping out chicken for turkey cutlets also works well.
- To make it low-carb, I replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or an air fryer to help keep the coating crispy. Microwaving works too, but it tends to soften the crust a bit.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
I always check with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
I prefer freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, I actually like using thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely. I cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sides go well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
I often serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a go-to favorite in my kitchen. With its crispy, cheesy crust and garlicky goodness, it's a dish that always impresses. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights and delicious enough for special occasions. Once I tried it, it quickly became a staple in my dinner rotation.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are coated in a savory blend of garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
- Press each chicken piece into the Parmesan mixture, coating all sides evenly.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Let rest a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix.
- To make it spicier, include crushed red pepper flakes.
- Can also be made in an air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
