Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining bold garlic flavor, nutty Parmesan, and perfectly cooked chicken. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and pairs well with a wide variety of sides like pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s high in protein and can be adapted for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
garlic cloves (minced)
grated Parmesan cheese
breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
butter
olive oil
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet over medium heat.
- Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet for uniform cooking.
- In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip each chicken piece into the garlic butter, then dredge in the Parmesan mixture to coat evenly.
- For baking: Place coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For skillet: Heat a bit of olive oil in the pan and cook the chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the coating mixture.
- Creamy Version: Serve with a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce over pasta or rice.
- Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix for extra aroma.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the air fryer to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating from getting soggy. Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust the cook time slightly if needed.
How do I get the coating to stick better?
Pat the chicken dry and press the coating firmly onto each piece after dipping in butter.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done at an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook (within 24 hours).
What should I serve with garlic Parmesan chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a green salad.
Can I add cheese on top while baking?
Yes, a little shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan on top adds a cheesy finish.
How do I prevent the coating from getting soggy?
Bake on a wire rack or broil for a minute or two at the end to crisp the top.
Can I cook this in a skillet only?
Yes, pan-frying works great—just make sure to cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked inside.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s both easy and impressive. With its crispy, cheesy coating and rich garlic-butter flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a go-to favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken features tender, juicy chicken coated in a garlic-butter mixture and crispy Parmesan-breadcrumb crust. Baked, pan-fried, or air-fried, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or special meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Flatten chicken to even thickness with a meat mallet.
- Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip each chicken piece in garlic butter, then coat in the Parmesan mixture.
- For baking: Place coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- For skillet: Heat olive oil and cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Let rest a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
- Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Top with extra Parmesan or mozzarella before baking for cheesy finish.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
