This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a tasty dish that’s simple to make! Juicy chicken gets coated in a delicious mix of garlic, buttery goodness, and cheesy Parmesan.
What’s great is that this recipe is all about the oven magic. Just pop it in and relax—soon you’ll have a meal that makes you feel like a superstar chef, all without breaking a sweat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. For a different take, you can use thighs, which are juicier, or even chicken tenders for quicker cooking.
Butter: Melted butter adds great flavor. If you want a healthier option, use olive oil instead. It’s a fantastic substitute and still gives a nice richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best choice for a punchy flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick. If you prefer a different cheese, try Pecorino Romano or even a blend like Italian cheese mix for a twist.
Italian Seasoning: This mix is convenient, but you can create your own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Tailor it to your taste—maybe add some crushed red pepper for heat!
Why is Proper Seasoning Important?
Seasoning your chicken is a simple step, but it makes a huge difference! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry chicken allows the seasoning to stick better.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly on both sides. Don’t be shy—make sure to cover every inch!
- This seasoning base enhances the overall flavor and makes every bite scrumptious.
Remember, these flavors build on one another throughout the cooking process, so take your time with this step.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish for a delicious, home-cooked meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to keep things from sticking later.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
It’s time to get our chicken ready! Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick! Next, season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and a little paprika if you like a touch of color. Make sure it’s nicely seasoned!
3. Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. This flavorful mixture will give our chicken a delicious kick!
4. Assembling the Chicken:
Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Now take that garlicky butter mixture and brush it generously over each piece of chicken. Make sure to cover all sides so every bite is tasty!
5. Adding the Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over all the chicken breasts. The more cheese, the better, right?
6. Baking to Perfection:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the cheese should be a lovely golden brown and bubbly.
7. Optional Crisp:
If you enjoy a really crispy topping, try broiling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Letting it Rest:
Once it’s finished baking, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
9. Serving It Up:
Garnish your delicious garlic Parmesan chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm, and it pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your flavorful and cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even chicken tenders for quicker cooking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—tenders will cook faster!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for 1 clove of garlic. Just mix it in with the melted butter and seasoning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist while reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and garlic butter mixture a day in advance. Just store the seasoned chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Add the cheese just before baking so it stays fresh!
