I absolutely love sharing this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe because it’s such a simple way to get a flavorful, juicy dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. When I first tried this combo of Italian seasoning, parmesan, and garlic powder, I was amazed at how these few pantry staples could transform plain chicken breasts into something really special. You’ll find that this recipe works well for busy weeknights or anytime you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing main dish.
One of the best things about this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe is how versatile it is—you can easily pair it with just about any side, and it always feels a bit fancy without any complicated steps. I discovered this trick when I needed a quick meal but wanted something that tasted like I’d spent hours in the kitchen, and it’s been a go-to ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick and Easy: This Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic days.
- Minimal Ingredients: You’ll only need a few pantry staples but get tons of flavor from them.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: Baking at 400°F locks in moisture while creating a crispy parmesan crust.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s great for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but they work perfectly in harmony to give you that classic Parmesan garlic flavor with a zesty Italian kick. Don’t skimp on fresh grated parmesan—it really makes a difference!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Make sure they are even in thickness for even cooking; pounding can help if some pieces are thick.
- Dry Italian dressing mix: This blend of herbs adds great depth without any extra work.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting and browning nicely in the oven.
- Garlic powder: Perfect for an even garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the oven.
Variations
I love to tweak this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe from time to time depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. You’ll find it easy to customize so it never gets boring.
- Herb-packed variation: Sometimes, I add fresh chopped parsley or basil before baking for a fresh, bright flavor that compliments the parmesan nicely.
- Spicy twist: I’ve also sprinkled a pinch of red pepper flakes into the seasoning blend for a subtle kick that my family enjoys.
- Low-carb option: Pair with roasted veggies or a green salad to keep it light and healthy.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Seasoning Mix
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). While the oven warms up, grab a small bowl and combine the dry Italian dressing packet, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning blend packs a lot of punch—mixing it ahead lets the flavors meld, which means every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispiness as the parmesan bakes. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly all over each chicken breast, making sure to get both sides coated well. I like to do this by hand because it gives me better control, and it’s fun to feel the texture changing.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish, spreading them out so they aren’t crowded. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside (internal temperature should hit 165°F). You’ll notice the parmesan forms a beautiful golden crust that’s slightly crispy on top — that’s the good stuff! Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: Pound thicker breasts to an even thickness so they bake uniformly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the chicken rest after baking—this seals in the juices and makes it so tender.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that hinder browning.
- Watch Your Oven: Different ovens vary; start checking at 20 minutes to avoid drying out your chicken.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil over the baked chicken. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the parmesan. A little lemon wedge on the side is also great to brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this chicken are garlic roasted asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes. Sometimes I swap the potatoes for a light quinoa salad for a healthier twist. Seriously, this chicken pairs well with almost anything green or a comforting carb!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this chicken sliced and fanned out over a bed of wilted spinach, sprinkled with extra parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It looks impressive but is totally doable—you’ll get compliments without the stress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays moist and flavorful if you reheat it gently.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I slice the cooked chicken before freezing to make portioning easy. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping the chicken in a warm oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crispy topping without drying it out. Microwaving works too but may soften the parmesan crust.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and tend to stay even juicier. Just keep an eye on baking time since thighs may need a bit longer—start checking around 25 minutes.
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Do I have to use a dry Italian dressing packet?
If you don’t have a packet, you can make a simple mix of dried oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary with salt and pepper. This keeps the homemade vibe but maintains the same flavor profile.
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How do I know when the chicken is done baking?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part and make sure there’s no pink meat and clear juices.
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Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
You can, but fresh garlic tends to burn in the oven and develop a bitter flavor. If you want fresh garlic flavor, try mixing it into a little olive oil and brushing the chicken before applying the parmesan mixture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites when I want something delicious with minimal effort. The combo of crispy parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs is so reliably tasty that I always feel confident serving it to company or just making a cozy family dinner. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make great chicken that everyone actually wants to eat!
Print
Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Italian dressing mix, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Baked to perfection, this recipe offers a deliciously cheesy and garlicky crust that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal anytime.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning Mixture
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine the packet of dry Italian dressing mix, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors well.
- Season the chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the surface of each of the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish, arranging them so they do not overlap for even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices and maximize tenderness.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh garden salad.
- If you prefer, substitute the dry Italian dressing packet with your favorite Italian seasoning blend.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
