If you’re searching for a dinner that’s impossible to resist, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This dish is a mouthwatering blend of savory garlic, two kinds of cheese, and juicy golden chicken—making it the ultimate comfort food for hectic weeknights or leisurely weekends. The cheesy, aromatic topping creates an irresistible crust, while the simple prep means dinner will be on the table in under 40 minutes! Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, from tender chicken to the melty, golden cheese on top. Gather a handful of pantry and fridge staples, and you’re all set for a crowd-pleaser your whole family will crave!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these cook up juicy and quick—perfect for soaking up the cheesy, garlicky topping.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and ensures the chicken browns beautifully in the skillet.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers a robust layer of garlicky goodness that seeps into every bite.
- Onion Powder: Sweetens and deepens the savory notes, balancing the strong garlic flavor.
- Dried Oregano: Brings an herby, Mediterranean touch that complements the cheese and chicken.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick for those who appreciate a hint of heat.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together—don’t skip them!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Key for that salty, nutty, crispy topping everyone loves.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection over each chicken breast.
- Butter: Infuses richness and helps bloom the fresh garlic flavor in the pan.
- Fresh Garlic: The hero of our dish—minced to unlock that incredible aroma and bold taste.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens up the dish with color and a burst of freshness when sprinkled at the end.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to finish the chicken after it’s browned. Preparing ahead makes the process smooth and quick, especially when you’re eager to get that first cheesy bite.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat). This blend makes sure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken bursts with flavor from the inside out.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown—it’s not about cooking them through (that happens in the oven) but locking in moisture and flavor with a gorgeous crust.
Step 4: Infuse the Butter and Garlic
Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this forms the flavor base the chicken will absorb as it finishes cooking.
Step 5: Top With Cheese
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over each piece. This step turns simple chicken into soul-warming Garlic Parmesan Chicken, as the cheeses melt together and form a bubbly, savory crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). The cheese should be golden and bubbling—resist the urge to peek too early! For extra crispiness up top, broil for 1-2 minutes just before serving.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let your baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken rest for five minutes to lock in those savory juices. Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of green and a hint of herby freshness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only gives a lovely color contrast but also adds a pop of clean flavor that brightens up the rich, cheesy chicken. You can also grate a bit of extra Parmesan over the top for an irresistibly savory look and taste.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Serve it with buttery mashed potatoes to catch that cheesy sauce, a toss of roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans, or fluffy rice that soaks up all the garlicky juices. A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette always balances the richness, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and layer it over garlic bread for an outrageous open-faced sandwich, or tuck slices into a wrap with crisp lettuce and tomatoes. You can even dice leftovers and top a hearty Caesar salad for lunch the next day—the garlicky, cheesy flavors just keep on giving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? After baking and cooling, wrap the chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, store them individually so you can thaw just the servings you need and avoid excess moisture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or pop in the microwave for a quick fix (just cover to keep it moist). To crisp up the cheese, broil for a minute before serving—your Garlic Parmesan Chicken will taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They’re juicier and even more flavorful—just adjust the cook time so they reach the proper temperature and still have a golden brown top.
What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! After searing the chicken on the stovetop, simply transfer the pieces and all that garlicky butter to a baking dish, top with cheese, and finish baking in the oven as directed.
How can I make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken even crispier?
For an extra crispy finish, use the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it—the cheese will bubble and brown quickly, creating that perfect golden crust.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare and assemble the chicken up to the cheese-topping step, then refrigerate it covered for several hours. When you’re ready to eat, bake it off—it’s a fantastic hack for easy weeknight meals or entertaining.
Is this Garlic Parmesan Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as written—just check your cheese and spices are certified gluten-free if you’re extra sensitive or cooking for someone with celiac.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is that magical, no-fuss dinner you’ll find yourself craving again and again. With its deliciously gooey cheese topping and deep garlicky flavor, it’s just the thing to perk up your weeknight or wow your guests. Give it a try—and get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner lineup!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil in a skillet. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Topping: Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, then return chicken and top with cheeses.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the oven until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- For a crispy finish, broil the chicken briefly after baking.
- Pair with vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
