Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta!

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this garlic parmesan chicken bake delivers pure comfort on a plate.

The golden, crispy coating promises a flavor explosion that will make everyone at the table lean in with anticipation.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, tangy depth to the tender chicken, creating a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Every bite brings a perfect balance of herbs, cheese, and perfectly seasoned meat.

The chicken emerges from the oven with a delightfully crunchy exterior that gives way to juicy, succulent meat inside.

You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Serve this crowd-pleasing chicken alongside your favorite sides for a meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake: Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the main dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking and tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps seasoning penetrate the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the chicken's overall taste profile.

• Garlic Powder: Provides intense garlic essence without raw garlic texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers complex herbal notes that complement chicken perfectly.

• Mayonnaise: Creates rich, smooth binding layer for other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps create golden-brown crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and mild cheese flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces fresh, robust garlic punch to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps ingredients blend smoothly and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor and helps tenderize chicken.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Optional ingredient that delivers extra crunch and textural contrast.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, green color and light herbal finish to the dish.

Tools to Get That Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for evenly baking chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cheese, mayo, and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Paper Towels: Great for drying chicken before seasoning.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helps spread the garlic Parmesan mixture smoothly.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping parsley and trimming chicken if needed.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Like a Weeknight Pro

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, creating the perfect cozy cooking environment for your delicious chicken.

• Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13 dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Season the Chicken

Gently pat your chicken breasts until they’re dry, then shower them with a delightful blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

• Whip Up the Cheesy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice until it becomes a creamy, dreamy mixture.

• Cover the Chicken

Lavish each chicken breast with the cheesy garlic mixture, spreading it evenly for maximum flavor.

• Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs across the top for an irresistible crunch that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe 165 degrees internally.

• Rest and Garnish

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, then shower with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate your masterpiece alongside pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Tweaks to Switch Up Your Chicken Bake Game

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the chicken the night before and store covered in the refrigerator. This lets flavors meld and saves precious cooking time when you're ready to bake.
• Crispy Texture Boost: Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top for extra golden-brown crunchiness that will elevate the dish's texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the delicious crispy coating.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and dairy-free mayonnaise to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Protein Variety: Easily switch chicken breasts with chicken thighs or turkey breast for a different twist while keeping the same incredible garlic Parmesan profile.

Serve With Greens, Pasta, or on Its Own

• Flavor Companion Plate: Serve with creamy fettuccine alfredo or angel hair pasta to complement the rich garlic Parmesan coating and enhance the chicken's tender texture.
• Fresh Garden Sidekick: Pair with roasted asparagus, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the dish's savory profile and add vibrant colors to the meal.
• Mediterranean Twist: Accompany the chicken with herbed quinoa, greek-style cucumber salad, or lemony couscous to bring a bright, zesty element that highlights the dish's Mediterranean-inspired seasoning.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Match with a chilled chardonnay or light pinot grigio to cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the garlicky chicken.

Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake for Next-Day Enjoyment

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, which can preserve quality for up to 3 months when stored at 0°F.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 1015 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring each bite remains tender and delicious.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Slice chicken before storing to create convenient meal-prep portions, making future lunches and dinners quick and effortless for busy weekdays.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken bake brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a family favorite for home cooks seeking delicious comfort meals.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crispy topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry and season comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, ensuring thorough coverage on both sides.
3. Coating Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice into a unified, creamy blend that will envelop the chicken with rich, tangy flavors.
4. Cheese Application: Generously spread the cheese mixture across each chicken breast, creating a luxurious, even layer that will transform during baking.
5. Optional Crunch Layer: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the chicken for an additional crispy texture that elevates the dish’s sensory experience.
6. Baking Process: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, carefully monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
7. Finishing Touches: Rest the chicken for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note, and serve alongside pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Maximize Moisture: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to prevent soggy texture and ensure crisp, golden coating that seals in natural juices.
• Cheese Blend Precision: Whisk mayo and cheese mixture thoroughly to create uniform consistency, guaranteeing even flavor distribution across chicken surface.
• Temperature Control: Use instant-read meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, checking internal temperature exactly at 165F for perfectly tender, safe chicken.
• Breadcrumb Enhancement: Optional panko layer adds delightful crunch – lightly toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling for extra golden, crispy texture that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg