This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a winner! It’s simple to make with chicken coated in a tasty garlic and parmesan mix that gets nice and crispy in the oven.
I love how the aroma fills my kitchen while it bakes. It’s like the chicken is singing a delicious song! 🎶 Serve it with veggies or a salad for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you need a substitute, you can use chicken thighs—they’re juicier! You can also opt for thinner chicken cutlets for quicker cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese gives a wonderful flavor and crust. If you’re out of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is convenient, but for a fresher taste, minced fresh garlic works well too. Just use about 2-3 cloves instead. If you prefer less garlic flavor, you can cut back on the amount.
Butter & Olive Oil: The mix of melted butter and olive oil enhances flavor and helps the coating get crispy. You can use just olive oil if you’re looking to make this recipe lighter.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Getting juicy chicken is all about cooking it right. Here are some tips:
- Always pat the chicken dry before coating. This helps the coating stick better and ensures even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C), ensuring it remains moist.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This keeps the juices inside when you cut into it.
Following these steps will help you achieve juicy and flavorful chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🍗
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken bake will take about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the oven is hot enough to create that golden crust on your chicken. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful coating that makes your chicken delicious.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them crisp up nicely. Then, brush each breast with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil, making sure to coat them well to help the seasoning stick.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Next, dredge each chicken breast in the Parmesan mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating sticks well to the chicken. This will give you that tasty, crunchy topping!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is nice and golden.
6. Optional Crispy Finish:
If you want that extra crispy top, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, take the dish out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying garlic Parmesan chicken bake with your favorite sides!
Bon appétit! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for this recipe. If you only have frozen, make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge overnight or by submerging them in cold water before starting. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses can work well. For a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its crispy texture.
What Sides Pair Well with This Dish?
This chicken bake pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or pasta to soak up the delicious flavors. You can even serve it with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal!
