This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a tasty dish that your whole family will love. Juicy chicken breasts get coated with a yummy garlic and cheesy topping for extra flavor!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make. Just mix the topping, spread it on the chicken, and bake! I love serving this with some veggies on the side for a complete meal—so good! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor or even cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely richness. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well too. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative for added flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use olive oil or coconut oil instead. Both add a nice flavor without the dairy.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but plain ones are fine too. You can also use crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly Without Drying It Out?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken is to monitor the time and temperature closely. Here’s how to ensure it stays juicy:
- Using an oven thermometer can help make sure your oven temperature is accurate. This prevents overcooking.
- Pound the chicken gently to an even thickness before seasoning. This ensures quicker and more even cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) means it’s perfectly cooked. Remove it from the oven as soon as it hits this temperature.
- If you want to add moisture, consider marinating the chicken ahead of time or brushing a little olive oil on it before seasoning.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy meal option. Total time is around 40 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish that’s large enough to hold all the chicken breasts in a single layer. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Then, sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the chicken. Place them in the prepared baking dish, ready for their delicious topping!
3. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Use a spatula or spoon to combine everything until it’s well mixed—this will be the tasty topping that makes the chicken burst with flavor!
4. Apply the Topping:
Now, it’s time to spread that delicious garlic Parmesan mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure to press it down gently so it sticks well. This step ensures each bite will be flavorful!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The topping should also be nice and golden brown by the time it’s done!
6. Optional Broiling for Extra Crispiness:
If you like a crispier top, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on it as it broils so it doesn’t burn.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a minute, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve it warm with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make garlic Parmesan chicken bake!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even oats for a crunch. Just ensure they are finely crushed so that they stick well to the chicken and create a tasty topping.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and topping in advance, place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
