This recipe yields tender and flavorful Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken, a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal. It features chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden brown and juicy. The combination of the crispy, cheesy crust and the moist chicken creates a delightful texture and a rich, savory flavor that is hard to resist. The coating typically includes grated Parmesan cheese, which provides a salty and nutty flavor, breadcrumbs (often Panko for extra crispiness) to create a crunchy exterior, garlic (both fresh minced and garlic powder for an extra punch), and Italian seasoning or a blend of dried herbs for an aromatic touch. The chicken breasts are usually lightly seasoned with salt and pepper before being coated in the Parmesan mixture, which is often bound together with a little melted butter or olive oil to help it adhere to the chicken. Baking the chicken allows it to cook through evenly while the coating becomes golden and crispy. The melted Parmesan cheese in the crust creates a delicious, cheesy layer that seals in the chicken’s juices, keeping it tender. This Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The image shows a baking sheet with four pieces of chicken. Each piece is coated in a golden-brown, slightly crispy crust and topped with melted white cheese and a sprinkle of green herbs. The chicken appears juicy, and the crust looks flavorful.
The texture of Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is characterized by a crispy and golden-brown coating, thanks to the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, encasing tender and juicy chicken breast. The melted cheese on top adds a gooey and slightly chewy element.
The flavor profile is rich and savory, dominated by the nutty and salty taste of Parmesan cheese, the pungent aroma of garlic, and the subtle herbaceous notes from Italian seasoning. The chicken itself provides a mild, meaty base that absorbs these flavors beautifully.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that offers a satisfying combination of crispy, cheesy coating and tender, juicy chicken, making it a family-friendly favorite.
The preparation involves coating chicken breasts with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, then baking until golden brown and cooked through.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or olive oil
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or other herbs, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Shallow dishes or plates for coating
- Small bowl for melted butter or olive oil
- Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps them cook more evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Melt Butter or Prepare Oil: Melt the butter in a small bowl or pour the olive oil into another shallow dish.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter or olive oil, ensuring both sides are lightly coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere to both sides. Make sure the chicken is fully coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using mozzarella cheese, remove the baking sheet from the oven after about 18-20 minutes of baking. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast and return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted (if used), carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley or other herbs, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken! It’s a flavorful main course that is sure to be a hit.