Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Quick & Juicy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Baked garlic parmesan chicken promises a mouthwatering culinary adventure that revamps ordinary poultry into an extraordinary meal.

Crispy, golden-brown exteriors give way to succulent, tender meat infused with rich, aromatic flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance across each perfectly coated piece, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Herbs and cheese form a delectable crust that locks in moisture and amplifies the chicken natural goodness.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

Professional chefs appreciate how minimal ingredients can produce maximum flavor complexity.

Comfort and elegance merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

  • Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet dish with minimal culinary skills, letting home cooks feel like professional chefs without complex techniques.
  • Maximize Flavor with Minimal Ingredients: The combination of mayonnaise, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy coating that infuses the chicken with incredible taste and keeps it incredibly moist and tender.
  • Quick and Foolproof Weeknight Dinner Solution: With just 35-40 minutes of total cooking time and straightforward preparation steps, this chicken recipe offers a stress-free meal that's perfect for busy families seeking delicious, hassle-free dinners.
  • Versatile Dish with Customizable Potential: The recipe allows easy modifications like switching spices, adding different bread crumbs, or pairing with various side dishes, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry availability.

Everything You Need for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the primary protein, best when fresh and boneless for even cooking.
Coating and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps keep chicken moist and helps other seasonings adhere.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides rich, salty umami taste and helps create a golden crust.
  • Bread Crumbs: Adds crispy texture and golden-brown finish to the chicken surface.
Seasoning and Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Fundamental seasoning that enhances overall flavor.
  • Lemon Pepper: Provides tangy, zesty seasoning with mild heat.
  • Fresh Parsley (Optional): Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal notes.

How to Bake Chicken That’s Crispy and Flavor-Packed

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and get ready for some delicious cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Packed Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Garlic powder
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 3: Prep the Chicken

Lightly dampen chicken breasts with water and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Spread the mayonnaise mixture generously over each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage.

Sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Lemon pepper

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping

Remove chicken from oven and evenly scatter bread crumbs over each piece.

Step 7: Final Baking

Return chicken to oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until chicken is completely cooked and juices run clear.

Step 8: Optional Browning

For extra golden tops, pop the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate alongside steamed broccoli and garnish with fresh parsley for a delightful meal.

Tips for Even Cooking and Juicy Meat

  • Moisture Magic: Pat chicken breasts dry before adding mayonnaise mixture to ensure the coating sticks perfectly and creates a crispy exterior.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
  • Bread Crumb Brilliance: Toast bread crumbs briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling to enhance their crunch and golden-brown color.
  • Even Coating Technique: Use the back of a spoon or silicone brush to spread the mayonnaise mixture uniformly across chicken for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Broiler Boost: Watch carefully when browning under the broiler, as chicken can quickly go from golden to burnt in just seconds.

How to Keep Garlic Chicken Tasting Fresh Later

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
  • Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap chicken in foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

Pairing Suggestions for Parmesan Chicken Dishes

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A light, buttery white wine complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and enhancing the chicken's savory profile.
  • Serve Alongside Roasted Lemon Asparagus: The bright, zesty asparagus provides a fresh contrast to the creamy, golden-brown chicken, adding a vibrant green vegetable that balances the dish's intensity.
  • Create a Mediterranean Salad Companion: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, baked chicken, adding texture and brightness to the meal.
  • Match with Garlic Herb Quinoa: The nutty, protein-packed quinoa absorbs the chicken's delicious juices and provides a wholesome, light base that complements the Parmesan-crusted chicken perfectly.

Spicy and Savory Variations for More Kick

  • Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Replace garlic powder with a blend of paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Top with crumbled feta cheese before baking for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Herb-Crusted Chicken: Swap Parmesan for a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil. Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular bread crumbs for extra crunch.
  • Coconut Curry Chicken: Mix mayonnaise with mild curry powder and shredded coconut. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top after baking for a tropical-inspired version that adds exciting complexity to the original recipe.
  • Ranch-Style Chicken: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the mayonnaise blend. Top with crushed ranch-flavored potato chips instead of bread crumbs for a creamy, tangy alternative that kids and adults will love.
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Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent baked garlic parmesan chicken brings Italian restaurant flavors straight to home kitchens. Crispy golden coating with rich parmesan and aromatic garlic creates a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets

Cheese and Spread:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Dry Ingredients:

  • 45 teaspoons (1215 g) Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (200°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
  2. Create a flavorful coating by mixing mayonnaise, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese in a small mixing bowl until well combined.
  3. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  4. Lightly dampen chicken breasts with water to help the coating adhere better to the meat.
  5. Arrange the moistened chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
  6. Generously spread the mayonnaise mixture across the top of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling salt and lemon pepper evenly over the coated chicken.
  8. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the chicken begins to cook through.
  9. Remove the chicken from the oven and evenly distribute bread crumbs over each piece, creating a crispy topping.
  10. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe level and juices run clear.
  11. For an extra golden finish, briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  12. Plate the chicken alongside steamed fresh broccoli and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • Moisture is key to keeping chicken breasts tender and preventing them from drying out during baking.
  • Using parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Mayonnaise creates a creamy, flavorful coating that helps seal in the chicken’s natural juices.
  • Bread crumbs add a delightful crispy texture to the top of the chicken, providing a satisfying crunch.
  • Checking chicken’s internal temperature is crucial – aim for 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.
  • Optional broiling step gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown finish with extra caramelization.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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