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- Chicken and Marinade Components - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Seasoning and Coating Ingredients - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh Ingredients (Garlic & Tomatoes) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in halves - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) This dish shines because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The chicken is the star, and the olive oil helps keep it juicy. The Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs add a crispy layer that makes every bite satisfying. You can pick your favorite Italian herbs for added flavor. Fresh garlic and tomatoes give this dish a burst of freshness. They cook down, adding depth to the chicken's taste. Using fresh ingredients is key. It not only enhances flavor, but it also makes the meal feel special. I love how this recipe balances comfort and quality. Each ingredient plays a role, and together they create a delightful experience. Enjoy gathering these items before diving into the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the Oven First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms up the oven so your dish bakes evenly and perfectly. - Preparing the Coating Mixture Next, take a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients blend well. This mixture gives the chicken a nice, tasty crust. - Coating the Chicken Breasts Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the 4 chicken breasts. Rub it gently on both sides. Take each chicken breast and press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure every side is well coated. This helps create a crispy texture when baking. - Arranging the Chicken in the Baking Dish Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Make sure they do not overlap. This allows for even cooking and a golden crust. - Baking Duration and Temperature Put the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should look golden brown and crispy. - Broiling for Added Crispiness To make it even crispier, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning. This step adds an extra crunch. - Resting Time Before Serving After baking, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This time allows the juices to settle, keeping the chicken moist. Once ready, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. To get that nice crunch, you need the right breadcrumb ratio. Panko breadcrumbs work best because they are light and airy. They soak up the oil and turn crisp when baked. Use one cup for this recipe. This amount gives a great balance between flavor and texture. Garlic adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip it. Use fresh garlic, finely minced. You will mix it with the chicken before baking. This step lets the garlic infuse the chicken and breadcrumbs. It makes each bite tasty and fragrant. To check chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. This step ensures the chicken is safe to eat and not dry. For juicy and tender chicken breasts, rub olive oil on each piece. This keeps the meat moist while baking. Also, let the chicken rest for about five minutes after baking. This helps the juices stay inside, making every bite flavorful. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor profile significantly. Avoid using pre-minced garlic for the best results. Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning or add spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick, making the dish your own. Broil for Extra Crispiness: Broiling the chicken for the last few minutes creates a delightful crunch, but watch closely to avoid burning. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish if you want. Here are some alternatives: - Mozzarella: This adds a nice stretch and mild flavor. - Cheddar: A sharper taste that pairs well with the garlic. - Feta: For a tangy kick that brightens the dish. Herbs and spices can also change the flavor quite a bit. Try these options: - Thyme or Oregano: Both will give a fresh taste to the chicken. - Cayenne Pepper: Add a bit of heat for those who like spice. - Cumin: This adds a warm, earthy flavor that is different yet tasty. Pairing side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options: - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or zucchini make a colorful plate. - Rice or Quinoa: These grains soak up juices and add fullness. - Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich chicken. For dips and sauces, consider these ideas: - Garlic Aioli: A creamy dip that adds more garlic flavor. - Marinara Sauce: A tangy sauce that goes well with chicken. - Herb Yogurt Sauce: This cool sauce balances the rich flavors of the dish. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect meal! To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake fresh, store leftovers correctly. Place any remaining chicken in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and flavor. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. How Long It Lasts in the Fridge When stored well, your chicken will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. When reheating, you want to keep the chicken crispy and tasty. The best way to do this is to use the oven. Recommended Methods for Retaining Texture Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes until warm and crispy again. Using the Oven vs. Microwave While the microwave is quick, it can make the chicken soggy. The oven keeps the crispy coating much better. So, when you have time, choose the oven for the best taste! Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time on cooking day. Just remember to bake it when you are ready! What are the best side dishes to serve with this recipe? I love pairing this chicken bake with simple sides like: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - A fresh garden salad - Roasted vegetables These sides complement the chicken's rich flavors nicely. Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake? Yes, you can freeze this dish. Wrap the cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw and reheat before serving! What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs? If you do not have panko, you can use: - Regular breadcrumbs - Crushed crackers - Cornflakes These alternatives will still give you a nice crunch! We covered how to make a great Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. You learned about the ingredients, from chicken to fresh garlic and tomatoes. You followed the steps needed, including baking and broiling. I shared tips for a perfect crunch and juicy chicken. You can try variations, like using different cheeses or herbs. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating methods. Now it's time to cook and enjoy this tasty dish!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

A delicious and easy chicken bake coated with garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in halves
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful coating.
  • Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the chicken breasts, making sure to rub it in gently so that each one is lightly coated for enhanced flavor.
  • Take each chicken breast and press it into the breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides evenly. Ensure the coating is generous for a crispy texture once baked.
  • Arrange the coated chicken breasts snugly in a greased baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap to allow even cooking.
  • Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the chicken breasts, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. This will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors as it bakes.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy.
  • For an extra touch of crunch and color, switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  • Once finished, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, keeping it moist.
  • When ready to serve, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Let the dish rest before serving to keep the chicken moist.
Keyword bake, chicken, easy recipe, garlic, Parmesan