This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a tasty dish that’s full of flavor. Juicy chicken is mixed with garlic, creamy parmesan, and a sprinkle of herbs to make it a hit at the dinner table!
I love how simple it is to prepare—just mix everything, pop it in the oven, and relax while it bakes. If you have bread on the side, you’ll want to soak up all that delicious sauce! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they’re lean and cook quickly. If you prefer dark meat, boneless skinless thighs would work great too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the garlic stick. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or melted butter are good substitutes that bring their own unique taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you only have garlic powder, you can use about 1 teaspoon, but fresh really makes a difference!
Cheeses: Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor, while mozzarella gives that gooey texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap Parmesan for Grana Padano, and use any melting cheese, like provolone, instead of mozzarella.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs complements the dish well. If you don’t have it, you can mix oregano, basil, and thyme instead.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep your chicken moist and tender, the cooking time is essential. Here are some tips to ensure juicy chicken:
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer; it’s done at 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Basting with the garlic oil helps keep moisture in during baking.
Remember, you can always adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken breasts!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important for achieving that golden, bubbly cheese on top.
2. Prepare the Garlic Olive Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and minced garlic. This will give your chicken great flavor as it cooks.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Use a brush or spoon to coat both sides of the chicken with the garlic olive oil mixture. Make sure they’re well covered!
4. Mix the Cheesy Seasoning:
In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well combined.
5. Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the cheese and seasoning mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece gets a good amount of that cheesy goodness!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked all the way through, and the cheese will be melted and bubbly.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you like a golden top, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle, making the chicken even more tender.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Lastly, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve your delicious garlic Parmesan chicken with your favorite sides. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless skinless thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They might need a few extra minutes in the oven, so check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives that will still give you a delicious, cheesy flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or even sliced bell peppers. Just adjust the baking time depending on the size and type of vegetables added to ensure everything cooks evenly.
