Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its crispy coating and rich, savory flavor, it’s a meal everyone will love. You can serve it with a variety of sides, like roasted veggies or pasta, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for dinner.
Key Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is not only packed with flavor, but it also offers a variety of benefits that make it the perfect meal for any occasion. Let’s break down why this recipe should be a staple in your kitchen:
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—just a few simple ingredients and you’re set!
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, parmesan cheese, and butter creates a savory, mouthwatering coating that gives each bite an irresistible flavor. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Versatile: Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, like roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can easily customize it to suit any dietary preference or meal style, whether you want something light and healthy or hearty and comforting.
Healthier Option: If you use skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you’re getting a lean protein source. Plus, you can make the recipe lighter by adjusting the butter or cheese quantities to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Impressive Yet Simple: While this chicken dish feels like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, it’s simple enough to make at home. It’s perfect for family dinners or even impressing guests at a gathering.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs create the crispy crust. Regular or panko work well.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps sear the chicken for a golden crust.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the key savory flavor.
Butter: Butter makes the garlic sauce rich and moist.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning adds a mix of herbs to the breading.
Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper season the chicken and breading.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh touch.
Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Let’s get cooking! This garlic parmesan chicken is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Follow these steps for crispy, golden chicken with a savory garlic butter sauce that’s sure to impress.
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking and a crispy finish.
Prepare the Breading: Mix parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, and cook chicken breasts on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt butter and cook minced garlic until fragrant.
Assemble the Chicken: Place the seared chicken in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter over it.
Coat with Parmesan Mixture: Sprinkle the parmesan breadcrumb mix over the chicken, pressing lightly.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the crust is golden.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken
To make sure your garlic parmesan chicken turns out just right every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that’ll elevate your cooking game:
Use Fresh Parmesan
For the best flavor and texture, opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of the pre-shredded variety. Fresh parmesan melts better and gives your chicken a more flavorful, smooth coating.
Don’t Skip the Searing
Searing the chicken before baking not only locks in the flavor but also helps create a crispy, golden crust. Make sure your skillet is hot enough when you add the chicken for that perfect sear.
Brine Your Chicken
If you have a little extra time, consider brining your chicken breasts for 15-30 minutes in a saltwater solution. This simple step helps the chicken stay juicy and tender, especially if you’re using lean cuts like chicken breasts.
Adjust the Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you love garlic, add an extra clove or two to the garlic butter. If you prefer a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your dish a subtle kick.
Make it Crispy with Panko
For an extra crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko provides a lighter, crunchier texture that holds up beautifully when baked.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet
When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If the chicken pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of searing, which could result in a less crispy exterior. If you’re making a large batch, cook in batches.
Keep an Eye on the Oven
Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your chicken as it bakes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness. If you like a crispier finish, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken
One of the best things about garlic parmesan chicken is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations you can try to put your own spin on this classic dish:
Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts
If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re juicy and tender, and their natural richness pairs beautifully with the garlic parmesan coating. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
Add Lemon Zest
For a fresh, zesty twist, add a little lemon zest to the parmesan mixture or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished chicken. The citrusy note brightens up the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan, giving it a lighter feel.
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your chicken a subtle kick that balances perfectly with the savory garlic and parmesan.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic parmesan chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, here are some great options to complement this savory, crispy chicken:
Garlic Bread
For the ultimate garlic lover, garlic bread is a perfect pairing. The rich, buttery bread complements the savory garlic parmesan chicken beautifully, making every bite a flavorful experience. Try using a crispy baguette or soft dinner rolls.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or brussels sprouts are excellent side dishes for garlic parmesan chicken. The earthy flavors of the vegetables balance out the richness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded meal. Toss the veggies with olive oil and your favorite seasonings before roasting them alongside the chicken for easy prep.
Cauliflower Rice
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great choice. It soaks up the garlic butter sauce from the chicken and adds a light, fluffy texture to the meal. You can easily make it at home or purchase pre-made cauliflower rice for a quicker option.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
If you’re in the mood for something hearty, creamy mashed potatoes are always a winner. The smooth texture and rich flavor of the mashed potatoes perfectly complement the crispy, cheesy chicken. Top it off with extra garlic butter for added indulgence.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
willow tree chicken salad recipe
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your garlic parmesan chicken recipe:
What goes well with garlic parmesan chicken?
Garlic parmesan chicken is incredibly versatile, so it pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or a light green salad. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great choice. The rich, garlicky flavor of the chicken complements these sides perfectly, creating a satisfying meal.
What kind of sauce goes on chicken parm?
Traditional chicken parmesan is topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. However, for a twist on the classic, you can drizzle extra garlic butter or even a creamy alfredo sauce over the chicken. This adds an indulgent, flavorful layer that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken and parmesan.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They’re more flavorful and juicy, making them an excellent choice for this recipe. Just keep in mind that chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook than breasts, so adjust the baking time accordingly. Be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I make garlic parmesan chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Garlic parmesan chicken can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply coat the chicken and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to cook, bake it as directed. You can also store any leftover chicken in an airtight container and reheat it in the oven for the best texture.
garlic parmesan chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will bake evenly and turn out perfectly crispy.
Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, combine parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This will form the crispy coating that gives your chicken its delicious golden crust.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and creates a beautiful, crispy exterior.
Make the Garlic Butter
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should just become aromatic and golden.
Assemble the Chicken
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the top of the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
Coat with Parmesan Mixture
- Sprinkle the parmesan breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks. This will create a crispy, cheesy crust as the chicken bakes.
Bake
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and garnish it with fresh parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy the savory goodness!