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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry and season comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, ensuring thorough coverage on both sides.
- 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.
- Cheese Application: Generously spread the cheese mixture across each chicken breast, creating a luxurious, even layer that will transform during baking.
- Optional Crunch Layer: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the chicken for an additional crispy texture that elevates the dish’s sensory experience.
- Baking Process: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, carefully monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- 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