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Looking for a cozy dinner idea that’s both tasty and easy? You’ll love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. It features tender chicken breasts coated in a crisp, cheesy crust, infused with garlic and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special meal, this dish will warm your home and your heart. Follow my simple recipe, and create a dinner your family will ask for again and again!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a rich, savory flavor that is irresistible.
- Crispy Texture: The breadcrumb and cheese coating ensures that each bite is delightfully crispy and satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: This chicken bake pairs beautifully with various sides, from salads to pasta, making it adaptable for any meal.
Ingredients
To create a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake, you need the following ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
– 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish flavorful. The chicken breasts serve as the main protein. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor. Breadcrumbs give the chicken a nice, crispy coating. Olive oil helps everything stick and adds moisture. Garlic brings a warm, aromatic touch. Oregano and basil provide earthy notes, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, and lemon wedges add a zesty finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to bake a cozy and tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Prepare the baking dish with olive oil.
First, set your oven to 375°F. This temperature cooks the chicken evenly. While the oven heats, grab a baking dish. Lightly grease it with olive oil. This step helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
Mixing and Coating
– Combine the cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and seasonings.
– Dredge chicken breasts and coat thoroughly.
In a bowl, mix grated Parmesan, plain breadcrumbs, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. Next, drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast. Make sure to coat both sides lightly. This helps the coating stick. Now, take each chicken breast and dredge it in the Parmesan mix. Press down firmly to ensure the coating sticks well.
Baking Process
– Arrange chicken in the baking dish.
– Bake and check for doneness.
Place the coated chicken in the greased baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Now, slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F and the outside is golden brown. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To ensure even cooking and crispiness, space the chicken breasts apart in the dish. Overlapping can cause steaming, which makes the coating soggy. Drizzling olive oil on the chicken helps the coating stick and adds flavor.
To know if the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The coating should look golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
For presentation, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board. A simple white platter also enhances the golden color. Scatter some parsley leaves for a pop of color. Place lemon wedges on the side; squeezing lemon adds freshness to each bite.
Ideal side dishes include roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. These sides balance the richness of the chicken and create a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
- Get Creative with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices, such as paprika or thyme, to customize the flavor.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to enhance juiciness and tenderness.
- Perfectly Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy texture, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can add herbs or spices to make this dish even better. Try using thyme or rosemary for a fresh touch. You can also mix in some paprika for a hint of heat. For cheese, swap out Parmesan for mozzarella. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture. Feta cheese adds a tangy kick that pairs well with lemon.
Cooking Methods
You can use an air fryer for a quick version. Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This method makes the chicken crispy without using much oil. For a smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken. Marinate it in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling. This adds a nice char and depth to the dish.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.
When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months.
To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in cold water for a couple of hours. Once thawed, bake it at 375°F (190°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This way, your meal stays safe and tasty.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They stay moist and tender during baking. Thighs also offer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if they are thicker.
Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumb coating?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. They will still give a nice crunch and flavor. You can also use ground almonds for a nutty twist.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute, try pecorino romano or nutritional yeast. Both add a similar savory flavor. You can also use any hard cheese you like, such as Grana Padano.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and coat it earlier. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready for a hot meal. This makes it easy for busy days!
This blog post covers a tasty baked chicken dish. We started with key ingredients and detailed preparation steps. I shared tips for perfect cooking and serving ideas. Then, I explored flavor variations and storage advice. You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste.
Remember, cooking is fun! Experiment with herbs and cheese for unique twists. Enjoy your meal and the smiles it bring
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
A delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish coated with garlic and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- to taste pieces lemon wedges (for serving)
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the grated Parmesan cheese, plain breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed.
Drizzle the olive oil over each chicken breast, ensuring that they are lightly coated on both sides. This will help the coating adhere.
Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the Parmesan mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure that the coating sticks well to the meat. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This allows for even cooking and crisping.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This will help retain its juices for a tender bite.
Just before serving, garnish the chicken with the chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of lemon adds a delightful freshness to each bite.
Serve on a rustic wooden board or a simple white platter for an aesthetic touch.
Keyword bake, chicken, garlic, Parmesan
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