Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
A comforting and easy-to-make baked chicken dish featuring a crispy garlic Parmesan cheese crust, perfect for quick family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (medium-sized)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken breast for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Spread the garlic Parmesan topping evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese topping is golden and slightly crisp.
- Check doneness by slicing into the thickest part or using a meat thermometer.
- Optional: For an extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the topping stick and prevent sogginess. Searing the chicken before baking locks in juices and adds flavor but is optional. For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Avoid overloading garlic to keep flavor balanced. Do not overcrowd the baking dish for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 38
Keywords: garlic Parmesan chicken, baked chicken, easy family dinner, cheesy chicken bake, quick chicken recipe