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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for an extra kick) - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that irresistible crunch) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Baking dish - Skillet The main ingredients bring a lot of flavor to the dish. Chicken breasts are the star, providing a juicy base. Olive oil helps to sauté the garlic, which adds a wonderful aroma. Garlic is a key player; it gives a rich taste that blends well with Parmesan. Speaking of cheese, fresh Parmesan is a must. It melts beautifully and creates a golden crust. For seasoning, Italian blend adds a nice herby note. If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes work great. Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture that makes each bite fun. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh taste when sprinkled on top. In your kitchen, have salt and black pepper ready to season the chicken. A baking dish helps cook the chicken evenly in the oven. A skillet is essential for searing the chicken, giving it that lovely golden color before baking. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the Oven to 400°F (200°C) Start by preheating your oven. This step is key for even cooking. - Sauté the Minced Garlic In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic. Stir it for about one minute. Make sure it does not brown; you want that fresh garlic flavor. - Season the Chicken Breasts While the garlic cooks, season the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes on both sides. This mix adds great flavor. - Sear the Chicken Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about three to four minutes. You want a golden brown color. If your skillet is small, you may need to do this in batches. - Prepare the Coating In a shallow dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Ensure they blend well. This coating gives the chicken its crunchy texture. - Transfer to Baking Dish and Coat After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet. Place it in a lightly greased baking dish. Then, generously coat each piece with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix. Press down gently so it sticks. - Bake the Chicken Now, place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Allow the Chicken to Rest Once you finish baking, let the chicken rest for about five minutes. This step locks in the juices and keeps it tender. - Garnish Before Serving Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor. How to Sear Chicken Perfectly To sear chicken well, heat your skillet first. Use medium heat, and add olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, place seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. This browns the chicken and locks in juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear. Importance of Resting Chicken Resting chicken is key for flavor. After baking, let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle. When you cut into the chicken, it stays moist and tender. Trust me, this small step makes a big difference. Using Fresh vs. Dried Herbs Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor. If you can, use fresh parsley. It brightens the dish. Dried herbs work too, but the flavor is less intense. If using dried, use only half the amount since they are more concentrated. Adding Acidity with Lemon Juice A splash of lemon juice elevates the dish. It enhances the garlic and cheese flavors. Squeeze some over the chicken before serving. This little trick adds freshness and balance. Garnishing Ideas For a pretty finish, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also use lemon wedges. They look nice and hint at the acidity inside. Plating Recommendations When plating, arrange the chicken on a clean plate. Add a side of green salad or steamed veggies for color. Place the chicken slightly off-center for a modern look. This makes the dish appealing and inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a robust flavor that enhances the dish, so avoid using pre-minced garlic for the best taste. Choose Quality Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged to get a richer, creamier texture and flavor. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Give each chicken breast enough space while searing to ensure they brown evenly and develop a delicious crust. Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking locks in the juices, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. {{image_4}} How can I adjust spice levels in Garlic Parmesan Chicken? You can change the heat by using red pepper flakes. If you want a mild dish, skip them. If you love heat, add more. Start with half a teaspoon. You can also add hot sauce to your serving. Just drizzle it over the chicken for a kick. This way, you can enjoy the garlic and cheese without too much heat. What if I want to change the cheese in Garlic Parmesan Chicken? Parmesan is great, but you can try other cheeses, too. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch. Cheddar gives it a sharp taste. Creamy cheeses like cream cheese can make the dish richer. Mix them with Parmesan for a unique flavor. How can I cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken differently? Grilling is a fun option. It adds a smoky flavor. For grilling, marinate the chicken with olive oil, garlic, and spices. Cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. You can also use an air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Cook the coated chicken for 15-18 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. To store Garlic Parmesan Chicken, let it cool first. Then, place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, add a sheet of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. For containers, use glass or BPA-free plastic. These are safe and help keep the chicken moist. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the food. When reheating, the oven is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts. Start with 1 minute, then check. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. To freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This is the safest way. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as it can lead to bacteria growth. - Fresh green salad - Steamed broccoli - Roasted carrots - Mashed potatoes - Quinoa or rice These sides add color and balance to your meal. A fresh salad helps cut through the richness. Steamed veggies bring crunch and nutrients. Try mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes. Quinoa or rice provide a hearty base. - Use skinless chicken thighs - Replace olive oil with cooking spray - Swap panko with whole wheat breadcrumbs - Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese - Add more vegetables to the dish These swaps lower fat and calories. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. - Prepare the chicken up to the baking stage - Store in the fridge for up to 2 days - Freeze for up to 3 months You can save time by prepping ahead. Just bake it when you’re ready. For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. - Use a meat thermometer - Insert into the thickest part - Look for a temperature of 165°F (74°C) A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. Properly cooked chicken is safe and juicy. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should be white and juices should run clear. We covered all you need to know to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and kitchen essentials. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and useful tips to enhance flavors. We also looked at variations, storage info, and common questions. This dish can become a favorite in your kitchen. Try experimenting with flavors and methods. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with others. Simple recipes like this can lead to great meals.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight

A flavorful chicken dish coated with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  • Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  • Mix the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish for even coating.
  • Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
  • Generously coat each chicken breast with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices.
  • Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a delightful and balanced meal.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, garlic, Parmesan