Hey y’all! If you’re in the mood for a crave-worthy meal packed with golden, crispy goodness and mouthwatering flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is calling your name. Juicy chicken, savory garlic, and rich parmesan combine for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even game day spreads. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Super quick & easy—it comes together in under 40 minutes.
- Packed with garlicky, cheesy flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Great for meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd.
- Versatile enough for dinner, lunch, or as a hearty appetizer.
- No deep frying required for crispy results!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Brush each chicken breast with melted butter and olive oil, then rub with minced garlic. Dredge each breast in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere all over.
Step 4: Bake
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate your chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour before coating.
- Always grate your own parmesan for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese can contain fillers. Learn more about quality cheese from Serious Eats.
- If you’re short on time, cut chicken into tenders for a faster bake (15-18 minutes).
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herb Lovers: Stir 2 tablespoons of fresh basil or thyme into the crust.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute almond flour for panko.
What You Need for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick baking mat
- Shallow mixing bowls
- Basting brush
- Instant-read thermometer
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Storage & Shelf Life
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to preserve crispiness.
- For freezing, wrap cooled chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with garlic bread or on a sandwich bun for a killer lunch!
- A side of pasta with marinara sauce makes this meal feel extra Italian.
Pro Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Success
- Pat chicken dry before coating for the crispiest crust.
- Use an oven-safe wire rack on your baking tray to elevate chicken and allow even air flow, as recommended by Bon Appétit.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Adjust cook time by adding 5-7 minutes for bone-in thighs, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Is there a gluten-free option for Garlic Parmesan Chicken? Definitely. Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a tasty crust. Check out more options at Celiac Disease Foundation.
- Can I air-fry this recipe? Yes—just air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Quick Facts
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 22-25 minutes
- Total time: 37-40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
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2In a shallow bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs if using.
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3Brush the chicken breasts on both sides with olive oil. Press each breast into the Parmesan mixture to coat evenly.
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4Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared dish. Sprinkle any remaining Parmesan mixture evenly over the top.
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5Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden, cooked through, and juices run clear (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
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6Garnish with additional parsley before serving, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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