Garlic Parmesan Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Looking for a delicious chicken recipe that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect answer. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with the irresistible taste of fresh garlic and nutty Parmesan cheese.
The result is a tender, flavorful main course that’s sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish fits the bill.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a favorite for so many reasons:
- It’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Delivers rich, savory flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- Versatile – pair it with pasta, salad, or vegetables.
This recipe brings together the classic flavors of garlic chicken and Parmesan-crusted chicken for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Gather these ingredients before you start:
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): 4 pieces
- Fresh garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Fresh parsley: for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges: for serving
These ingredients help create a crunchy, cheesy crust while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This ensures even cooking.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating
- In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic. This mixture will help the coating adhere and add flavor.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the garlic-butter mixture, making sure both sides are coated.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides evenly.
- Place the coated chicken breasts onto a lightly greased baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For a deeper golden color, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese can be dry and less flavorful. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes richer.
- Don’t skip the panko: Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Add extra garlic if you love bold flavors. Roasted garlic can also be used for a milder, sweeter taste.
- Thin chicken breasts cook more evenly and absorb more flavor.
- If you like, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Variations to Try
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
For a healthier, crispy option, prepare as directed and cook in the air fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Slice the chicken into strips before coating and baking. Perfect for kids or as a party appetizer.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Adjust baking time as thighs may take longer to cook.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Pair your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with side dishes that balance its rich flavor:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic butter pasta
- Steamed broccoli
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
For a lighter meal, serve on top of fresh greens with a squeeze of lemon.
Storing and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy.
- Avoid microwaving if possible; it can make the coating soggy.
Nutritional Information
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a high-protein meal with moderate fat from cheese and olive oil. Using chicken breast keeps it lean. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may require a few extra minutes in the oven due to their thickness and higher fat content.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before dipping it in the garlic-butter mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken and place it on a greased baking sheet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make the recipe low-carb or keto-friendly, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked chicken. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What’s the difference between using fresh and dried garlic?
Fresh garlic gives a robust, aromatic flavor, while dried garlic or garlic powder is milder and more subtle. Use fresh for the best taste.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of fresh garlic, nutty Parmesan cheese, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. This easy, flavorful main dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Pairs well with pasta, salad, or veggies!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If thick, slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic.
- Dip each chicken breast into the garlic-butter mixture, coating both sides.
- Press chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides evenly.
- Place coated chicken breasts onto a lightly greased baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crust is golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For a deeper golden color, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- Panko breadcrumbs make the crust extra crispy.
- Add more garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for bolder flavor.
- Thin chicken cutlets cook more evenly.
- Try with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat (adjust cooking time).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 480Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 705mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 45g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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