Garlic parmesan chicken is the ultimate quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights. Picture juicy chicken breasts covered in a crispy, cheesy crust that’s irresistibly delicious. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for when you need a tasty meal on the table fast. Your taste buds and your family will be singing your praises!
Need more easy dinners and chicken recipes? Be sure to check out my Malibu chicken, ranch chicken, and chicken cordon bleu. All super simple fan favorites that you are sure to fall in love with.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Idea
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: Combines garlic and parmesan for a delicious, savory taste.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, saving you a trip to the store.
- Low Effort: Simple steps that don’t require advanced cooking skills and goes well with almost any side dish!
This recipe has been on our revolving dinner menu for the last few months and, after six test runs, I finally have perfected the flavor and am so excited to share! It’s one of those chicken dinners that are minimal effort with a big reward, which is right up my alley. Especially on busy weekdays when I need something delicious ASAP.
The flavor profile for this garlic parmesan chicken recipe is a crazy delicious blend of garlic and rich parmesan, creating a crispy, cheesy crust that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. Its versatility means you can pair it with anything from pasta and rice to fresh salads and steamed veggies, making it an adaptable dish that suits any craving or occasion.
Ingredients You Need
Another great thing about this chicken garlic parmesan recipe the short ingredient list. Here is what you need:
- Oil and Butter: Mixing oil and butter with mustard and garlic creates a flavorful base that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. The oil adds moisture while the butter enhances richness.
- Lemon Juice: Add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the oil and butter mixture for a zesty kick. It brightens up the overall flavor and complements the garlic and Parmesan perfectly.
- Garlic: Finely mince fresh garlic and mix it into the oil and butter blend. This ensures the garlic flavor is evenly distributed and infuses the chicken with a robust taste as it bakes.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard to the oil and butter mixture gives the chicken a tangy depth of flavor. It also helps the breadcrumbs stick better and adds a subtle zing.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan before coating the chicken can add even more crunch and depth of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate Parmesan cheese finely and mix it with the breadcrumbs for a cheesy, golden crust. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a stronger flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Garlic Powder: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an additional layer of garlic flavor. This ensures every bite is packed with garlicky goodness.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken with salt and pepper before coating it in the oil and butter mixture OR add it into the breadcrumbs.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. This helps the chicken bake evenly and stay juicy, making every bite tender and delicious.
Substitutions and Variations
These variations and substitutions allow you to customize the garlic parmesan chicken to your taste preferences ensuring a delicious meal every time!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the breadcrumbs for an aromatic flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different cheesy flavor.
- Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together melted butter, oil, lemon juice, minced garlic clove, and Dijon mustard. Set this dish aside for later.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In another shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise or pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the butter mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture so it’s covered on all sides.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Pairing your chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some delicious options:
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, these perfect mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the rich flavors of garlic parmesan chicken perfectly.
- Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts: These roasted garlic Brussels sprouts bring a nutty, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Roasted Little Potatoes: For a simple yet delicious side, try these roasted little potatoes. Their crispy exterior and tender inside make them an ideal companion to your chicken dish.
- Roasted Frozen Broccoli: If you’re looking for a quick and healthy option, roasted frozen broccoli is a great choice. It’s easy to prepare and adds a nice crunch to your meal.
- Noodles or Pasta: Serve your chicken over a bed of your favorite noodles or pasta. The garlic and Parmesan flavors of the chicken go wonderfully with a simple pasta tossed in olive oil or a light cream sauce.
For more side dish ideas, check out my collection of side dish recipes. These sides will turn your garlic parmesan chicken into a complete and satisfying meal.
Expert Tips:
Grate Your Own Cheese: Always grate Parmesan cheese yourself for the best flavor and melting consistency. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a richer taste.
Mix Ingredients Well: Ensure the melted butter, oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard are thoroughly mixed. This will help the breadcrumbs stick better and evenly coat the chicken.
Even Coating: Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, crispy coating. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and creates a uniform crust.
Pound or Cut Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, cut them in half lengthwise or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken inside. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy crust.
Use a Baking Rack: Place the chicken on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, making it crispier.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Allow the baked garlic parmesan chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but this may cause the coating to be less crispy.
Freezing:
- Freezing: Let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheating from Frozen: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier coating, you can remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
Recipe FAQs
To keep the chicken from drying out, make sure you don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Also, coating the chicken thoroughly in the butter mixture and breadcrumbs helps retain moisture.
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just ensure they are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken can add extra flavor. You can marinate it in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard for a few hours before coating and baking. Just make sure to pat the chicken dry before dipping it into the butter mixture to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard as a substitute. Each will add a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
The best way to know if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be white and no longer pink in the center.
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 large chicken breasts
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a shallow dish, mix together melted butter, oil, lemon juice, minced garlic clove, and Dijon mustard. Set this dish aside for later.
- In another shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise or pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the butter mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture so it’s covered on all sides.
- Place the coated chicken pieces into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Video
Notes
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Always grate Parmesan cheese yourself for the best flavor and melting consistency. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a richer taste.
- Mix Ingredients Well: Ensure the melted butter, oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard are thoroughly mixed. This will help the breadcrumbs stick better and evenly coat the chicken.
- Even Coating: Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, crispy coating. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and creates a uniform crust.
- Pound or Cut Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, cut them in half lengthwise or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken inside. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Use a Baking Rack: Place the chicken on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, making it crispier.
Nutrition
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