Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garlic-Parmesan Coating
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Mixture
In a shallow bowl combine:
- Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Brush each chicken breast with olive oil.
Press both sides into the Parmesan mixture until evenly coated.
Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter
Mix together:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
Drizzle evenly over the coated chicken.
This helps create a crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until:
- The coating is golden brown
- The chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
For extra browning, broil during the final 2 minutes.
Step 7: Rest
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This helps keep the juices inside the meat.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce (Optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Season and drizzle over the chicken.
Flavor Variations
Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Spicy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken
Add:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
To the coating mixture.
Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Lemon Garlic-Parmesan Chicken
Add:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
To the Parmesan coating.
Expert Tips
Use Fresh Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a crispier crust.
Don’t Overcook
Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy chicken.
Pound Evenly
Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
Broil Carefully
Watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.
Let It Rest
Resting locks in moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Garlic-Parmesan Chicken with:
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Caesar salad
- Rice pilaf
- Buttered green beans
- Garlic bread
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Date nights
- Holiday gatherings
- Meal prep
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
