Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a savory garlic and Parmesan cheese mixture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients like olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to create a crispy, golden crust that complements the juicy chicken. Finished with fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges, this bake is both comforting and delicious.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to arrange all the chicken breasts in a single layer, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better. Arrange the breasts neatly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If you desire extra crunch, mix in the plain breadcrumbs until well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken breast, pressing gently so it adheres well to the surface.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the topping is golden and bubbling.
- Crisp the Topping (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let It Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juiciness and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- If you prefer less salt, reduce the added salt in the mixture or omit it entirely.
- For a dairy-free alternative, omit the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pound them if necessary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispness of the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken bake, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, garlic chicken, Parmesan chicken, Italian chicken bake