Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe For Dinner Joy

Crispy, golden chicken meets a delectable garlic parmesan chicken bake that promises pure culinary magic.

Layers of flavor dance across each perfectly seasoned piece of meat.

The combination of crunchy breadcrumbs and rich parmesan creates an irresistible coating that seals in moisture.

Tender chicken emerges from the oven with a beautiful golden-brown crust that crackles with every bite.

Each serving delivers a mouthwatering blend of savory herbs and nutty cheese notes.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dinner that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

All The Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

For Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that absorbs flavors beautifully; choose fresh, evenly sized cuts for consistent cooking and best texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, tangy duo that melts perfectly and adds rich, savory depth to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that brings intense, bold flavor; select firm, plump cloves without sprouts for maximum taste.
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Crucial spice blend that creates a robust, well-rounded seasoning profile for the chicken.
For Sauce and Coating:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps seal in moisture and creates a luscious, golden coating.
  • Olive Oil: Adds subtle richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty element that cuts through richness and adds a fresh tang.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Optional crispy topping that provides delightful textural contrast.
  • Fresh Parsley: Vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note.

Gear To Use For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for evenly baking the chicken and catching any delicious sauce.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for getting precise ingredient amounts.
  • Paper towels: Helps dry chicken for better seasoning and crispy texture.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for trimming chicken and chopping fresh parsley.
  • Cheese grater: Helpful if using fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.

How To Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Easily

  • Prep the Oven and Chicken

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Grab your chicken breasts and blot them completely dry with paper towels. Season each side generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs for a flavor explosion.

  • Whip Up the Creamy Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine rich mayonnaise, nutty Parmesan, melty mozzarella, minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a zingy squeeze of lemon juice. Stir everything until it transforms into a smooth, tantalizing sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Create and Bake Your Masterpiece

Slather the cheesy garlic mixture over each chicken breast, making sure every inch is covered. For extra crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top. Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and reaches 165F.

  • Finish and Serve with Flair

After pulling the chicken out, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in those delicious juices. Shower the top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Plate up alongside your favorite side like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Helpful Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

  • Flavor-Boosting Tip: For an extra punch of flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 30 minutes before seasoning. This trick helps tenderize the meat and adds a delightful tangy undertone to your dish.
  • Low-Carb Variation: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly coating that provides the same satisfying crunch without extra carbs.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Swap out dairy cheese for nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use vegan mayonnaise to keep the creamy sauce while accommodating dairy-free diets.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or dried herbs to create your own signature flavor profile and keep the dish exciting every time you make it.

Plating Ideas For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

  • Flavor-Packed Pasta Partner: Toss some al dente linguine with olive oil, garlic, and fresh parsley to create a perfect side that soaks up the delicious chicken juices.
  • Bright Mediterranean Plate: Serve alongside a crisp greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese for a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
  • Veggie Roasted Companion: Spread colorful roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus around the chicken to add nutrition and vibrant colors to the plate.
  • Quick Meal Shortcut: Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken salad by chopping the cold chicken and mixing with mayonnaise, diced celery, and herbs for quick lunch wraps.

Best Way To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 34 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in sealed freezer bags. Stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm chicken in the oven at 350F for 1015 minutes to prevent dryness. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and restore original juiciness. Avoid microwave to maintain crispy breadcrumb coating.
  • Portion Control Hack: Slice chicken into smaller pieces before storing. Makes meal prep easier, allows quick grab-and-go lunches, and helps control serving sizes for healthier eating habits.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Garlic parmesan chicken bake delivers a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dinner perfect for weeknight meals. Crispy chicken breasts coated in herbed cheese create a simple yet elegant dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herb blend to enhance flavor profile.
  3. Creamy Coating Creation: Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl, whisking until a smooth, unified sauce forms with rich, tangy notes.
  4. Coating and Topping: Spread the cheese-garlic mixture evenly across chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage, then sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for a crisp, golden exterior.
  5. Baking Process: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C), resulting in a perfectly cooked, juicy protein.
  6. Resting and Serving: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside complementary sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Dry Chicken Prevention: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden exterior and preventing soggy texture.
  • Cheese Mixture Consistency: Whisk mayonnaise and cheese ingredients until smooth and fully integrated, creating a uniform coating that adheres perfectly to chicken’s surface.
  • Breadcrumb Crunch Technique: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly and lightly press them into the cheese mixture for maximum crispiness and golden-brown color during baking.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F (75C), preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender meat texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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