There’s something irresistible about the combination of garlic and Parmesan, especially when paired with tender, juicy chicken. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even an elegant meal for guests. With a crispy golden crust and a hint of garlic-infused richness, this recipe is destined to be a favorite at your table!
I first discovered this dish while searching for a way to elevate simple chicken breasts without a lot of effort. Now, it’s a staple in my recipe rotation, thanks to its quick prep and incredible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a true winner for so many reasons.
First, it’s quick and easy. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Second, it’s packed with flavor. The savory garlic, nutty Parmesan, and crispy coating create a combination that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
It’s also versatile. Serve it with pasta, a side salad, or your favorite vegetables for a meal that suits any occasion.
Finally, it’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters will fall in love with this dish, thanks to its crispy texture and cheesy flavor.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Pound them to an even thickness for quick, even cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture. It’s the key to that crispy, cheesy crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for a light and crunchy coating, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper enhances the flavors beautifully.
For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet for stovetop cooking or a baking dish if you prefer an oven-baked version.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Prepare the chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Pound 4 chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Make the coating: In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Garlic butter prep: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the garlic butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, patting firmly to adhere the coating.
- Cook the chicken:
- Oven method: Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Stovetop method: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until crispy and fully cooked.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Storage Options
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispy texture, or microwave for a quicker option.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
- Different cheese: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with eggplant or zucchini slices for a delicious meat-free option.
- Herbaceous twist: Add fresh chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant boost.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is everything you want in a quick and delicious meal – flavorful, crispy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight and savor the magic of garlic and Parmesan in every bite!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This garlic parmesan chicken recipe is a quick and delicious meal idea! With juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan and garlic crust, it’s baked or pan-fried to perfection for a tender and flavorful dinner. Serve it with pasta, veggies, or a fresh salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
- Optional: Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch, for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Coating Stations:
- Place flour in one shallow dish.
- Beat egg in a second shallow dish.
- In a third shallow dish, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, and paprika.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in the beaten egg, and then press into the Parmesan mixture, coating evenly.
- Cooking Options:
- Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
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