Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe [Easy & Delicious]
If you’re a fan of savory, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying meals, you’re in for a treat. Garlic Parmesan Chicken can transform your weeknight dinners. This dish combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan. Say goodbye to boring chicken and hello to a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a dish that wins hearts (and stomachs) every time. But what makes it so irresistible?
- Bursting with Flavor
- Easy to Prepare
- Perfect for Any Occasion
- Kid-Friendly
- Meal Prep Friendly
Simple Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Italian dressing
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper
- Butter
- Minced garlic
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Marinate the Chicken Breasts: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to form cutlets. Place the chicken cutlets in a zip lock bag or a large bowl. Pour in one cup of Italian dressing, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, leave it overnight.
Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of paprika, one tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste. This mixture will give your chicken a robust and savory flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning mix you prepared. Make sure both sides are evenly covered. Place the chicken on a wire rack lined baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 20-30 minutes.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a small bowl, melt six tablespoons of butter on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir in two tablespoons of minced garlic and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Combine and Serve: When the chicken is almost done baking, open the oven and apply a generous amount of the garlic Parmesan sauce to the top of each piece. Allow the chicken to finish cooking with the sauce on it. Once the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the chicken from the oven. Let the chicken cool slightly before serving.
Variations to This Easy Chicken Recipe
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken is its versatility. With a few tweaks and additions, you can create a range of delicious variations to keep your meals exciting. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
- Spicy Edition: If you love a bit of heat in your meals, adding some spice can take your Garlic Parmesan Chicken to the next level. Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. Another idea is to drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the chicken before serving. It’s an easy way to add heat without altering the cooking process.
- Herb-Infused: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavors of this dish and add a burst of freshness. Add chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the garlic butter baste for an aromatic twist. For a Mediterranean vibe, sprinkle fresh basil and oregano on the cooked chicken.
- Cheesy Explosion: Add slices of mozzarella on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking. Let it melt and bubble for a gooey finish.
Tips and Tricks When Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Choose the Right Chicken
Starting with good-quality chicken makes a big difference.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are ideal for this recipe. They cook evenly and stay moist.
- Consistent Thickness: Pound the chicken to an even thickness if needed. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly.
Marinade for Maximum Flavor
Marinating your chicken can turn a good dish into a great one. The marinade infuses the meat with flavor and keeps it tender.
- Italian Dressing: This not only adds taste but also tenderizes the chicken.
- Marinate Time: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- If you do not have Italian dressing, you can also use Italian seasoning and olive oil with a splash of lemon juice.
Making a Luscious Creamy Sauce
The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is the star of the show. Getting it right means your dish will be unforgettable.
- Real Butter: Use high-quality butter for a richer sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh garlic cloves. Jarred garlic can be less potent.
- Parmesan Cheese: Again, freshly grated is best. It melts better and tastes superior.
Serving and Presentation
Presentation can make your meal feel special. Here are some simple tips:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken rubbery.
FAQs for Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended. They’re lean and cook evenly, making them ideal for this dish. However, if you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also work, though cooking times might vary slightly.
Do I Have to Use a Wire Rack for Baking?
While not absolutely necessary, a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and crisping. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the chicken directly on a baking sheet, but be sure to flip it halfway through to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Options like green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the dish well.
- Garlic Bread: For those who love carbs, garlic bread on the side is a perfect addition.
- Pasta: A light al dente pasta, perhaps tossed with olive oil and herbs, can round out the meal.
If you enjoy this recipe, check out a few more of my favorite:
Creamy Cajun Chicken Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to form cutlets. Place the chicken breasts in a zip lock bag or large bowl and pour in the Italian dressing. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, grated parmesan cheese, salt & black pepper. Place the chicken on a wire rack lined baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the garlic butter baste. In a small bowl, melt the butter and add in the minced garlic and parmesan cheese.
- When the chicken is almost done baking, apply a generous amount of the garlic butter baste to the top of each chicken and allow it to finish cooking. Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, allow the chicken to slightly cool then serve and enjoy!
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