Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a weeknight dinner winner! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This recipe creates juicy, tender chicken coated in a crispy, golden-brown parmesan and garlic crust. Forget bland, boring chicken – this dish will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge already.
* **Quick and Easy:** Minimal prep time and baking time make it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, parmesan, and herbs creates a delicious and satisfying taste.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the crispy, cheesy coating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. You can also use chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best for flavor and texture. Avoid using the pre-shredded kind, as it doesn’t melt as well.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for that delicious garlic flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is highly recommended.
* **Italian Seasoning:** This blend of herbs adds depth of flavor. You can also use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
* **Paprika:** Adds a touch of color and smokiness.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** Helps the parmesan mixture adhere to the chicken and adds moisture.
* **Mayonnaise:** This is the secret ingredient! Mayonnaise adds moisture and helps the parmesan coating stick to the chicken. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the mayonnaise itself.
* **Breadcrumbs (Optional):** Panko breadcrumbs can add extra crispiness to the coating. Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is needed to bake the chicken.
* **Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes for easy cleanup.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need a couple of bowls for mixing the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Preparation (15 minutes)**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. **Prepare Chicken:** If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This helps them cook evenly and quickly. You can also butterfly the chicken breasts if desired.
3. **Mix Parmesan Coating:** In a medium bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using breadcrumbs, add them to the mixture as well. Mix well to combine.
4. **Prepare Mayonnaise Mixture:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and olive oil.

**Coating and Baking (25-30 minutes)**

1. **Coat Chicken:** Brush each chicken breast with the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring both sides are lightly coated. This helps the parmesan mixture adhere properly.
2. **Apply Parmesan Coating:** Dredge each chicken breast in the parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks. Make sure the entire surface of the chicken is covered in the parmesan mixture.
3. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be cooked through and the parmesan coating should be golden brown and crispy.
5. **Rest:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Tips for the Best Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
* **Use Freshly Grated Parmesan:** Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting properly. Freshly grated parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture.
* **Pound Chicken for Even Cooking:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly.
* **Don’t Skip the Mayonnaise:** The mayonnaise is a key ingredient that adds moisture and helps the parmesan coating stick to the chicken.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, parmesan, and herbs to your liking.
* **Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):** For an even crispier coating, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve it with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Add a simple tomato sauce, Alfredo sauce, or pesto.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken.
* **Rice:** Serve it with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich chicken.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Green Beans:** A simple side of steamed or sautéed green beans.

Variations

* **Spicy Chicken:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Herb Chicken:** Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the parmesan mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Ranch Chicken:** Mix ranch seasoning into the parmesan mixture for a creamy, tangy flavor.
* **Honey Garlic Chicken:** Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a sweet and savory glaze.
* **Chicken Thighs:** Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time in a few ways:

* **Prepare the Parmesan Coating:** Mix the parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and spices in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Coat the Chicken:** Coat the chicken with the mayonnaise mixture and parmesan mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Make sure to cover it tightly.
* **Bake and Reheat:** Bake the chicken according to the instructions, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze baked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Recipe Card

**Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes

**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, panko or Italian-seasoned)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. In a bowl, combine parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs (if using).
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and olive oil.
5. Brush chicken breasts with the mayonnaise mixture.
6. Dredge chicken in the parmesan mixture, pressing firmly.
7. Place chicken on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

**Enjoy your delicious Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken!**

FAQ

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take longer to cook.

**Q: Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?**
A: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting properly.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the parmesan coating or coat the chicken ahead of time. See the “Make-Ahead Instructions” section for details.

**Q: How do I store leftovers?**
A: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

**Q: The parmesan coating is not sticking to the chicken. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Make sure you are brushing the chicken with the mayonnaise mixture before dredging it in the parmesan mixture. The mayonnaise helps the parmesan adhere to the chicken. Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks.

**Q: My chicken is dry. What can I do?**
A: Make sure you are not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.

**Q: Can I add breadcrumbs to the coating?**
A: Yes, adding breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-seasoned) can add extra crispiness to the coating. Add about 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to the parmesan mixture.

Enjoy this delicious and easy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe! It’s sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with different variations and sides to create your perfect meal.