Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner. This recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a delicious mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and crispy. The result is a juicy chicken with a crunchy, cheesy crust that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Table of Contents

  • For the Chicken:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (or Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang)
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, and chopped parsley if using. Mix well.
  3. Prepare Mayo Mixture: In another bowl, mix mayonnaise with Dijon mustard if using. This will help the coating stick to the chicken and add extra flavor.
  4. Coat Chicken: Spread a thin layer of the mayo mixture over each chicken breast. Press the coated chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
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3. Bake the Chicken
  1. Arrange in Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Add Oil or Butter: Drizzle the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them brown and crisp up.
  3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 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).
4. Serve
  1. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
  2. Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  3. Serve: Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

  • Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the mayo mixture and breadcrumb mixture for an even, crispy coating.
  • Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
  • Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, you can use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Variations

  • Add Veggies: Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the baking dish. They’ll cook alongside the chicken and soak up the delicious flavors.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
  • Different Cheese: Try mixing in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a simple yet impressive dish that combines juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s an easy recipe that delivers on both flavor and texture, making it a go-to for busy nights or whenever you’re craving a comforting meal. With its savory garlic and Parmesan flavors, this chicken bake is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the crispy goodness and delicious simplicity of this satisfying meal!