Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Irresistibly Crispy!

Tender chicken breasts coated in a mouthwatering garlic parmesan crust emerge as a weeknight dinner hero that will leave everyone craving more.

The golden, crispy layer packed with garlic parmesan goodness makes this dish irresistibly delicious.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying crunch.

The breading comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients most home cooks already have on hand.

Selecting high-quality chicken and freshly grated parmesan cheese elevates this recipe from good to extraordinary.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a bright, aromatic finish that complements the rich, cheesy coating.

Serve this crowd-pleasing chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Parmesan Chicken: The Flavor Lineup

For Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the star of the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts with even thickness for consistent cooking.
For Coating Components:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps create crispy exterior, select freshly grated for best texture and taste.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides crunchy golden layer, opt for fine, dry breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic punch, use fresh minced for most vibrant flavor profile.
  • Dried Oregano: Introduces earthy Mediterranean herbal notes, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
  • Dried Basil: Contributes subtle sweet undertones, check for bright green color indicating quality.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground offers most robust flavor.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumb mixture adhere and promotes golden browning, choose extra virgin for richest taste.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright color and light herbal freshness, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools That Help Garlic Parmesan Chicken Turn Out Perfect

  • Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and crispy chicken.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Large Bowl: For mixing Parmesan breadcrumb coating ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for evenly coating chicken with olive oil.
  • Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients and resting chicken.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps mince garlic and chop parsley.
  • Meat Thermometer: Checks chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Golden and Juicy

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F, getting it ready for some seriously delicious chicken action.

  • Create Flavor Explosion

Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until everything’s perfectly blended.

  • Transform Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts, then lovingly press them into the zesty coating, making sure every inch gets covered.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the chicken onto a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Let it sizzle for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Serve with Flair

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest for a moment, then sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that restaurant-quality touch. Get ready to impress everyone at the table with your culinary skills.

Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Your Favorite Carbs

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair this crispy chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a rich, complementary side that echoes the dish's garlicky notes.
  • Mediterranean Medley: Serve alongside a bright Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to balance the chicken's robust, savory coating.
  • Veggie Companion: Roast asparagus or broccoli with a light drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest to provide a fresh, green counterpoint to the golden chicken.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and enhance the meal's overall flavor profile.

Store Leftovers That Actually Taste as Good Tomorrow

  • Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Warm chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave can make the coating soggy, so avoid if possible.
  • Prepare chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. Coat with breadcrumb mixture just before cooking to keep coating crunchy.
  • Wrap individual cooked chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in oven until warm throughout.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

  • Is there a gluten-free alternative for breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or almond meal as a substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.

  • How can I make the coating crispier?

To achieve an extra crispy coating, try lightly spraying the chicken with cooking spray before baking or broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking time. Just watch carefully to prevent burning.

  • Can I prepare the chicken coating mixture in advance?

Definitely! You can mix the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasonings ahead of time and store in an airtight container. This makes the preparation process even quicker when you’re ready to cook.

Add a Twist to Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Herbs or Heat

  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before coating to help the breadcrumb mixture stick better and achieve an extra-crunchy exterior.
  • Prepare the chicken up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time if coming directly from the fridge.
  • Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the coating mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Alternatively, experiment with different dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
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Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

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

Description

Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken brings together classic Italian flavors for a delightful dinner experience. Crispy chicken breasts coated in garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese promise a memorable meal you’ll want to make again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless, skinless
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 23 tbsps (340 ml) olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
  • parsley, fresh, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, additional, grated

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring consistent cooking and optimal texture.
  2. Coating Setup: Create three seasoned stations – flour for initial dusting, whisked eggs for moisture, and a vibrant mixture combining Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Breading Technique: Dredge chicken first in flour, shaking off excess, then completely immerse in egg wash before pressing firmly into Parmesan-herb mixture, creating a robust, crispy coating.
  4. Skillet Method: Heat olive oil in a spacious pan over medium temperature, carefully positioning chicken to develop a golden, caramelized exterior while maintaining inner juiciness.
  5. Cooking Process: Sauté chicken 4-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to achieve perfect browning and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Oven Alternative: If preferred, arrange breaded chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking oil, and roast at 400°F, rotating midway for even browning.
  7. Serving Presentation: Transfer to serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan sprinkle, then pair with complementary sides like pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Tenderize with Care: Gently pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking and juicy results, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Breading Station Strategy: Create a streamlined three-step coating process, keeping ingredients cold and separation between stations to maintain crisp breading texture.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking.
  • Crispiness Maintenance: Allow excess breading mixture to adhere firmly, and use medium heat to develop golden crust without burning coating or drying meat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 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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