Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Quick Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Flavor Magic!

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy garlic parmesan chicken recipe brings pure magic to your plate.

Tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, crunchy parmesan crust will make taste buds dance with delight.

The combination of garlic and parmesan creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates a simple protein into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that gives way to juicy, perfectly seasoned meat.

Preparing this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe a weeknight warrior’s dream.

You’ll want to savor every single crispy, cheesy morsel from the first bite to the last.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Tender and lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking.
For Coating and Flavor Enhancement:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and helps create a crispy exterior, select freshly grated for best texture.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides golden, crunchy coating that locks in moisture, opt for fine or panko style for extra crispness.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers intense garlic flavor without moisture, choose high-quality powder for more robust taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends multiple herbs for complex Mediterranean flavor, look for fresh, fragrant mixes.
  • Paprika: Introduces subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color, select sweet or smoked varieties for different profiles.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Olive Oil: Creates a smooth surface for coating and adds healthy richness, use extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Butter: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior and adds luxurious taste, choose unsalted for better seasoning control.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use sea or kosher salt for cleaner taste.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers most vibrant flavor.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parsley: Adds fresh, bright finishing touch, choose curly or flat-leaf based on preference.

Tools That Help You Bake Chicken

  • Baking Dish or Baking Sheet: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly and preventing sticking.
  • Parchment Paper: Helpful for easy cleanup and preventing the chicken from adhering to the baking surface.
  • Shallow Dish: Perfect for mixing and coating the Parmesan mixture.
  • Whisk or Fork: Great for combining the coating ingredients thoroughly.
  • Pastry Brush: Ideal for evenly coating chicken with olive oil.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning measurements.
  • Measuring Cups: Necessary for precise ingredient proportions.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.
  • Chopping Board: Used for chopping parsley if garnishing.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps in chopping parsley or cutting chicken if needed.

Bake Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Ease

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and get a baking dish ready with a quick spray of cooking oil.

  • Create the Flavor Bomb

Mix together a zesty blend of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and spices that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Transform the Chicken

Massage each chicken piece with olive oil, then roll it through the spice mixture until it’s completely covered in deliciousness.

  • Add the Touch

Drizzle melted butter over the chicken to help it turn gloriously golden and crispy.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop the chicken in the oven and let it sizzle for 25-30 minutes. When it’s golden brown and the inside hits 165F, you’re almost ready to feast.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece, sprinkle some fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Romano or Asiago cheese for a similar flavor profile. Grated pecorino works well too if you want a slightly sharper taste.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C. The chicken should look golden brown and have no pink in the center when you cut into it.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the breadcrumbs contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for a similar crispy coating.

  • Can I prepare this chicken ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken with the Parmesan mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re starting with cold chicken.

Flavor Boosters for a Crisp, Golden Finish

  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before coating to help the breading stick better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-safe version of the dish.
  • Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result or use turkey cutlets for a different protein option.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the coating mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meal.
  • Prepare the coated chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for ultimate convenience.

Serve Garlic Chicken with Sides That Shine

  • Flavor-Packed Plate Partners: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious chicken juices for a comforting meal.
  • Fresh Garden Companions: Pair with roasted asparagus, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the rich chicken flavors.
  • Sauce Sensation: Drizzle with homemade garlic aioli or herbed lemon sauce to add an extra layer of zesty brightness that complements the parmesan coating.
  • Carb Comfort: Complement with buttery garlic rice, herbed pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delectable pan drippings and complete the meal.

Store Baked Chicken to Stay Moist

  • Slice chicken breasts into portions before coating, making future meals a breeze.
  • Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and freshness.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient meals up to 2 months later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy coating and prevent dryness. Avoid microwave to keep the delicious crunch intact.
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Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken emerges as a classic comfort dish from Italian-American kitchens. Crispy herb-coated chicken breasts deliver rich flavors you’ll savor with simple side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy pasta.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.76 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2.12 oz) breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • 2 tsps garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Seasoning Blend: Combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform coating.
  3. Chicken Coating: Brush chicken breasts with olive oil, then press firmly into the seasoned mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage of the entire surface.
  4. Pre-Baking Enhancement: Drizzle melted butter over the coated chicken to promote a crispy, golden exterior during roasting.
  5. Baking Process: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken achieves a rich golden-brown color and reaches an internal temperature of 165F/74C.
  6. Final Crisp: Activate the broiler for a quick 2-3 minute finish, carefully watching to prevent burning while creating an extra-crispy surface.
  7. Serving Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with complementary sides like roasted vegetables, crisp salad, or al dente pasta.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Coating: Press seasoning mixture firmly and evenly onto chicken to create a thick, consistent layer that guarantees maximum flavor and crunch in every bite.

Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, ensuring 165F/74C for safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out the protein.

Broiler Caution: Watch chicken closely during final 2-3 minute broiling stage, as golden-brown can quickly transform into burnt – position rack in middle to prevent uneven browning.

Moisture Preservation: Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices, preventing dry meat and maintaining tender, succulent texture throughout the meat.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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