Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake for the Perfect Meal

Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake! This simple yet delicious recipe combines the savory goodness of garlic and Parmesan with tender chicken breasts, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or need something to impress guests, this baked chicken dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a perfect blend of crispy, cheesy chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. The garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the Parmesan creates a crispy, golden crust. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or even pasta. Plus, it’s low-carb and can easily be adapted for keto diets by pairing it with cauliflower rice or other healthy alternatives.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut horizontally into thinner cutlets for quicker cooking.
Paprika: 3 teaspoons, divided, to add a smoky flavor and color to the chicken.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for an aromatic garlic taste.
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon for added depth of flavor.
Chicken Bouillon (Optional): 1 teaspoon, for a rich, savory flavor.
Lemon Juice: 1-2 tablespoons to brighten up the dish.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted, for a rich and creamy base.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking and to enhance the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: 3/4 cup, freshly grated, for that crispy, cheesy topping.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly cracked, for seasoning.
Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon for a strong, fresh garlic flavor.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, to add a fragrant herby note.
Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped, for garnish and a fresh touch.
Red Chili Pepper Flakes (Optional): 1 teaspoon, for a hint of heat.

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets. This will help them cook quickly and evenly, giving you juicy, tender chicken. Once the chicken is prepped, it’s time to get the garlic Parmesan sauce ready. The sauce combines melted butter, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, spices, and herbs to create a rich, flavorful base for the chicken.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. This one-pan dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Follow these instructions for perfectly baked chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the center. This ensures even cooking, allowing the chicken to cook quickly and evenly. While the oven is heating, slice your chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets. Thinner pieces will cook faster and soak up more flavor from the seasoning and sauce.
Season the Chicken
Generously season your chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh lemon juice. If you’re using chicken bouillon, sprinkle that over the chicken as well. This adds a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the garlic Parmesan sauce. Add one teaspoon of paprika to the chicken for a smoky kick, then place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley. For an optional spicy twist, add red chili pepper flakes to the mixture. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a smooth, flavorful sauce. This sauce will create a crispy, golden crust on the chicken as it bakes.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken cutlets in the baking dish, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. If you like, reserve a small portion of the sauce to drizzle over the chicken when serving, adding an extra burst of flavor at the end.
Bake the Chicken
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese has formed a golden, crispy crust on top. Make sure to check the chicken for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake immediately with your favorite sides. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or a side salad. You can also enjoy it with pasta or mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

• Use Thin Chicken Cutlets: By slicing the chicken breasts into thin cutlets, you ensure that they cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer, you can leave the chicken breasts whole, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to make sure they cook thoroughly.

• Add Some Heat: If you like your chicken with a little spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce like Sriracha to the garlic Parmesan sauce before pouring it over the chicken. This adds a great balance of heat and flavor.

• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to get creative with the sauce. You can add more garlic for a stronger flavor or try different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture.

• Make It Your Own: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add other seasonings like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor or try different herbs like basil or oregano for a Mediterranean twist.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice complements the garlic Parmesan chicken perfectly, soaking up the sauce while adding a light and healthy base.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, make a great side for this dish. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

• Pasta: For a more filling option, serve the chicken with a side of pasta. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) make excellent choices.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting side to this rich and flavorful chicken bake.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, no worries! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake stores well and can be enjoyed for days to come. Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay fresh, and the sauce will retain its flavor.

• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If using the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Recipe Card: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Ingredients:

2-3 chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
3 teaspoons paprika, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon (optional)
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, plus for garnish
1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the center.
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which will cook quickly and evenly.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, chicken bouillon (if using), and one teaspoon of paprika. Place the chicken in a baking dish.
In a bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, Parmesan, minced garlic, remaining paprika, parsley, red chili flakes (optional), and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken, ensuring the cutlets are well-coated. Reserve a small portion of the sauce for dipping later if desired.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
Serve immediately with your choice of sides, like cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or pasta. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.

Notes:

Chicken cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts thinner for faster cooking. You can also leave the breasts whole for a more substantial meal.
Spicy kick: Add hot sauce like Sriracha to the garlic Parmesan sauce if you prefer some heat.
Sauce variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different texture and flavor.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.