Introduction
Craving a simple yet flavorful chicken dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside? Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect solution! This easy recipe coats tender chicken breasts in a garlicky, Parmesan-crusted breadcrumb mixture, then bakes them to golden perfection. With the savory blend of garlic, Parmesan, and basil, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even entertaining guests. Curious about how to create this crowd-pleasing entrée? Let’s dive into this straightforward recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Overview: Why Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Is Special
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a winning combination of crispy texture and bold, savory flavors, all achieved with minimal effort. The garlic-infused olive oil and Parmesan-breadcrumb coating create a crunchy exterior that locks in the chicken’s juices, while the basil adds a subtle herbaceous note. This recipe is quick to prepare, uses pantry staples, and delivers restaurant-quality results without frying, making it a healthier option. It’s versatile, pairs well with countless sides, and is perfect for busy evenings or meal prep.
- Time Requirement:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Baking: 30 minutes
- Total: About 45 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy. Involves simple coating and baking, suitable for beginners.
- Why It’s Special: This recipe serves 6, offers a savory garlic-Parmesan flavor, and is crispy yet tender. It’s budget-friendly, great for any season, and ideal for chicken lovers.
Essential Ingredients
This dish comes together with ingredients that create a crispy, flavorful chicken. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Infuses the chicken with moisture and helps the coating adhere.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the coating.
- Dry Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provide the crispy, crunchy exterior.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (⅔ cup): Contributes nutty, savory depth and enhances crispiness.
- Dried Basil Leaves (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle, herbaceous note.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild, spicy kick.
- Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves (6): Serve as the lean, tender protein base.
Substitutions and Variations
- Olive Oil: Swap for avocado oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Garlic: Use ½ tsp garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
- Breadcrumbs: Replace with panko for extra crunch, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Basil: Swap for dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs (use 1 tbsp if fresh).
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs or tenderloins (adjust baking time slightly).
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add-Ins: Mix ½ tsp smoked paprika, cayenne, or lemon zest into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove until well combined.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine 1 cup dry breadcrumbs, ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried basil leaves, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Pat 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
- Dip each chicken breast into the olive oil-garlic mixture, coating both sides lightly.
- Then, press each breast into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Shake off excess crumbs.
- Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.
- Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the top of the chicken for extra crunch.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or alongside your favorite sides (see serving suggestions below).
Cooking Tips
- Uniform Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½-inch) for consistent cooking.
- Crispier Coating: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- Avoid Sogginess: Pat chicken dry before coating and avoid overcrowding in the baking dish to promote crispiness.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F (74°C); overcooking can dry out the chicken.
- Extra Crunch: For an even crispier result, place a wire rack in the baking dish to elevate the chicken and allow air circulation.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish is all about creating crispy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Coating Prep:
- Mix the olive oil and garlic thoroughly to evenly distribute flavor.
- Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan well to ensure every bite is savory and crunchy.
- Chicken Coating:
- Dip and coat methodically to achieve a uniform, thick crust that holds up during baking.
- Press crumbs gently but firmly to prevent them from falling off.
- Baking Setup:
- Arrange chicken in a single layer with space between pieces to promote even browning.
- Sprinkle extra crumbs on top for a rustic, crunchy finish.
- Presentation Tips:
- Serve on a platter to showcase the golden, crispy coating.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, a lemon wedge, or extra Parmesan for a fresh, elegant touch.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
- Salads: Pair with a Caesar salad or a tomato-cucumber salad for a light contrast.
- Sandwiches: Slice chicken and serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
- Pasta: Toss sliced chicken with marinara or Alfredo sauce over spaghetti.
- Meal Prep: Portion with quinoa and steamed broccoli for easy lunches.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is great for meal prep and stores well:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave briefly.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Coat chicken up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready. Alternatively, bake fully and reheat before serving.
- Serving Tip: Serve hot for the crispiest texture, drizzling with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these fun twists to make the dish your own:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix in ½ tsp dried oregano and ½ tsp dried thyme for extra herbaceous flavor.
- Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture and serve with a lemon wedge.
- Panko Parmesan Chicken: Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Information
- Per Serving (1 of 6):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific brands and coating thickness.
Conclusion
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate easy, flavorful dish, offering crispy, golden chicken breasts with a savory garlic-Parmesan crust in every juicy bite. With its quick preparation, bold flavors, and versatile appeal, it’s a must-try for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual entertaining. This recipe is so simple and delicious, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal rotation. So preheat your oven, coat that chicken, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s pure comfort food bliss!
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Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Description
Craving a simple yet flavorful chicken dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside? Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect solution! This easy recipe coats tender chicken breasts in a garlicky, Parmesan-crusted breadcrumb mixture, then bakes them to golden perfection. With the savory blend of garlic, Parmesan, and basil, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even entertaining guests.
Ingredients
This dish comes together with ingredients that create a crispy, flavorful chicken. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
-
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Infuses the chicken with moisture and helps the coating adhere.
-
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the coating.
-
Dry Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provide the crispy, crunchy exterior.
-
Grated Parmesan Cheese (⅔ cup): Contributes nutty, savory depth and enhances crispiness.
-
Dried Basil Leaves (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle, herbaceous note.
-
Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild, spicy kick.
-
Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves (6): Serve as the lean, tender protein base.
Substitutions and Variations
-
Olive Oil: Swap for avocado oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
-
Garlic: Use ½ tsp garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
-
Breadcrumbs: Replace with panko for extra crunch, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
-
Parmesan: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
-
Basil: Swap for dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs (use 1 tbsp if fresh).
-
Chicken: Use chicken thighs or tenderloins (adjust baking time slightly).
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
-
Add-Ins: Mix ½ tsp smoked paprika, cayenne, or lemon zest into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
-
-
Prepare the Coating:
-
In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove until well combined.
-
In a separate shallow bowl, combine 1 cup dry breadcrumbs, ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried basil leaves, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
-
-
Coat the Chicken:
-
Pat 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
-
Dip each chicken breast into the olive oil-garlic mixture, coating both sides lightly.
-
Then, press each breast into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Shake off excess crumbs.
-
-
Assemble in Baking Dish:
-
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.
-
Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the top of the chicken for extra crunch.
-
-
Bake:
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Check doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
-
-
Serve:
-
Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes to retain juices.
-
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or alongside your favorite sides (see serving suggestions below).
-
Cooking Tips
-
Uniform Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½-inch) for consistent cooking.
-
Crispier Coating: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
-
Avoid Sogginess: Pat chicken dry before coating and avoid overcrowding in the baking dish to promote crispiness.
-
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F (74°C); overcooking can dry out the chicken.
-
Extra Crunch: For an even crispier result, place a wire rack in the baking dish to elevate the chicken and allow air circulation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Use boneless, skinless thighs and bake for 35–40 minutes, checking for 165°F (74°C).
Q: Is the coating very heavy?
A: The coating is light and crispy. Use less breadcrumb mixture or panko for an even lighter texture.
Q: Why is my chicken not crispy?
A: Sogginess can result from wet chicken or overcrowding. Pat chicken dry, ensure even coating, and space pieces apart in the dish.
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until 165°F (74°C) and crispy.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. See storage tips above for details.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use plant-based chicken cutlets, vegan Parmesan, and gluten-free breadcrumbs; replace olive oil with vegan butter or more oil.