Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the irresistible flavors of garlic and parmesan in a way that’s rich yet comforting. The chicken stays tender and juicy while the parmesan adds a salty, cheesy crust. It pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  4. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
  5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese generously over the chicken. For extra crunch, mix parmesan with breadcrumbs before sprinkling.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes (depending on thickness) until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Coat chicken in a light egg wash before dredging in a parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for a breaded version.
  • Top with melted mozzarella for an extra cheesy twist.
  • Serve over creamy Alfredo pasta for a decadent meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this without baking?

Yes, you can fully cook it in a skillet over medium heat, flipping until the chicken is cooked through.

What’s the best parmesan to use?

Freshly grated parmesan melts and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties.

Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, skip the breadcrumbs and stick to parmesan, butter, and seasoning.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but add it after cooking the garlic and simply warm it with the parmesan topping.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and pairs with a variety of sides.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Absolutely—try cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini for a one-pan meal.

Can I use powdered parmesan?

You can, but fresh parmesan has a superior flavor and texture.

How do I make it crispier?

Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to brown the parmesan topping.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. With its golden garlic-infused crust and cheesy finish, it’s a meal that satisfies every time. Serve it with your favorite sides for a simple, delicious dinner.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a juicy, savory dish with a buttery garlic base and a cheesy parmesan finish. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it can be baked, pan-seared, or air-fried for restaurant-quality results at home.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked / Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  2. 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  5. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  6. Salt and black pepper, to taste
  7. Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  8. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
  4. Sprinkle parmesan cheese (or parmesan-breadcrumb mixture) over chicken.
  5. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

  1. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
  2. Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
  3. Skip breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly option.
  4. Serve with pasta, roasted vegetables, or salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
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