Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

Crispy, golden chicken breasts with garlic parmesan magic never fail to make mouths water.

Seasoned home cooks know this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Succulent meat transforms with simple ingredients and clever techniques.

Herbs and cheese create an irresistible coating that seals in moisture.

Professional chefs have long appreciated these classic flavor combinations.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch and rich, savory notes.

Jump into this culinary adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shine

  • Craft Quick Crowd-Pleasers: These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings where you need delicious bites that everyone will love.
  • Minimize Kitchen Stress: With simple ingredients and straightforward assembly, anyone can create these crowd-winning sandwiches without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap roast beef for turkey or ham, adjust cheese types, or add extra seasonings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Serve Versatile Bites: Sliders work brilliantly as appetizers, light lunch, game day snacks, or side dishes that complement multiple meal scenarios.

What You Need For Garlic Parmesan Chicken

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this delicious recipe.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken's taste profile.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy cooking oil that helps sear the chicken and provides a rich, smooth base for cooking.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that adds moisture and depth to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken and creates a delicious base for the sauce.
For the Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds a crispy and flavorful crust to the chicken.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and adds a light, herbal note to the dish.

How To Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for action.

Step 2: Flavor Bomb The Chicken

Generously coat your chicken breasts with a magical blend of:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika

Step 3: Create Golden Crispy Edges

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Sear the chicken breasts until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes. Once beautifully caramelized, remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Unleash Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let the garlic dance and release its aromatic charm for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Reunite And Cheese It Up

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Lovingly spoon the garlic butter over each piece and sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Rescue the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve piping hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Handy Insights For Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Choose chicken breasts of equal thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a golden-brown crispy exterior and better herb adherence.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged versions.
  • For gluten-free option, confirm all seasonings are certified gluten-free and replace regular paprika with smoked paprika.
  • Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked protein.

Taste Tweaks For Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Garlic Kick Chicken: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne powder to the seasoning mix for a zesty, heat-packed version of the original recipe.
  • Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before adding Parmesan cheese to introduce a bright, citrusy tang.
  • Herb-Crusted Parmesan Chicken: Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and dried herbs to create a crispy, golden coating before baking.

Best Pairings With Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight
  • Serve this golden chicken over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that brings everyone together. The rich garlic butter and Parmesan create a luxurious sauce that perfectly complements the soft potatoes.
  • Elegant Weeknight Entertaining
  • Slice the chicken and arrange on a beautiful platter with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Drizzle remaining pan juices over the dish for an impressive presentation that looks gourmet but takes minimal effort.
  • Healthy Lunch Transformation
  • Chop the chicken and toss into a crisp green salad with mixed leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The seasoned chicken adds protein and flavor, turning a simple salad into a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious.
  • Quick Meal Prep Option

Keeping Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fresh Longer

  • Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave with 30-second intervals, checking temperature to maintain juiciness.

FAQs

  • Why sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in moisture, creates a delicious golden-brown crust, and develops rich flavor by caramelizing the chicken’s surface, ensuring a juicier and more flavorful final dish.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might require a few extra minutes to reach the correct internal temperature of 165F.

  • What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan from a block provides the most robust flavor and best melting texture compared to pre-grated packaged cheese. Opt for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic parmesan chicken delights palates with its crispy, herb-crusted perfection. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory blend of garlic, parmesan, and breadcrumbs will make you crave this comforting meal again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup parsley (fresh, chopped, optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
  2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for perfect browning.
  4. Carefully place chicken into the hot skillet, searing each side until a golden-brown crust develops, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Transfer the seared chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next stage.
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing the aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface for about 1 minute.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the fragrant garlic butter.
  8. Sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese over the chicken, creating a savory, melting topping.
  9. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness, checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 332 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 270 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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