Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489353H10M41S
Total time: PT-489353H10M41S
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly easy to whip up, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is exactly what your dinner table needs. Tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, garlicky Parmesan crust make every bite a delightful treat. The combination of fresh garlic, sharp Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and a little special — perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a vital role in turning ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish. The balance of crunchy panko, nutty Parmesan, and fresh garlic creates layers of flavor and texture, while olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing juicy protein with a tender bite.
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds bold, aromatic flavor that elevates every mouthful.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness that crisps beautifully.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a light, crunchy coating that contrasts perfectly with the juicy chicken.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with Mediterranean warmth.
3 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve the golden crust and keeps the coating from drying out.
Juice of 1 lemon: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper – this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Give your chicken breasts a good pat dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks nicely and crisps up perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then drizzle olive oil over this mixture. Stir it up until you get a crumbly but cohesive texture that will cling beautifully to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently but firmly so that every inch is covered in that savory crust. Don’t rush this step because a thorough coating makes all the difference for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken’s irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken breasts neatly on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F to make sure your chicken is safe and juicy.

Step 5: Add a Final Touch

Once your chicken’s baked and beautifully crisp, let it rest for five minutes before serving. Finish things off by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the top; this brightens the flavors and adds a lovely, tangy finish that cuts through the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil not only colors your plate beautifully but adds a fresh herbal note that complements the Garlic Parmesan Chicken wonderfully. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also amp up the cheesiness for Parmesan lovers.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs magnificently with so many sides — think roasted garlic mashed potatoes for comfort, a simple mixed green salad for freshness, or even steamed broccoli drizzled with a little olive oil and lemon. Each side adds a different dimension, balancing the boldness of the chicken’s crust.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken sliced over a bed of creamy polenta or warm pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs for an elegant yet fuss-free meal. You can also place it atop garlic butter toast or wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days — perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this tasty dish whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To maintain that crispy coating when reheating, pop the chicken into a preheated oven at 350°F instead of the microwave. Bake for around 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, and you’ll recapture the crunch and juiciness just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and offer a slightly richer, juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though the texture might be less airy and crispy. For a gluten-free option, crushed cornflakes or almond meal can be borrowed into the mix.

Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best bright, robust flavor in this recipe, but in a pinch, high-quality garlic powder can be substituted. Just be careful not to add too much, as it’s more concentrated.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try replacing Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar umami punch. Just be mindful the flavor and texture will shift, but it can still be delicious!

Can I cook the Garlic Parmesan Chicken on the stovetop?

While baking is ideal to achieve that perfect crispy crust, you can also pan-fry the coated chicken in olive oil over medium heat. Cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked inside, but watch carefully to avoid burning the crust.

Final Thoughts

Once you give this Garlic Parmesan Chicken a try, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to chicken recipes. The beautiful blend of crunchy coating, garlicky goodness, and cheesy magic makes every bite a little celebration. So go ahead, make this dish your own, and enjoy the comfort and joy it brings to your table and your taste buds.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Breading Mixture

4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the coating adhere better.
Make Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and slightly moist, which will help the coating stick to the chicken.
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.
Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, drizzle the chicken with fresh lemon juice to add brightness and enhance the flavors.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian American