Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

There's something irresistible about the combination of garlic and Parmesan – it’s a flavor match made in heaven. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe brings these two classic ingredients together in a dish that is guaranteed to impress. The juicy chicken, coated in a crispy, golden crust, is bursting with savory goodness in every bite. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish never disappoints.

I first came across this recipe while trying to come up with something easy, yet full of flavor, for a last-minute dinner. It quickly became a staple in our household. My kids love it, and I love that it’s simple enough to make on a hectic evening, but still feels like a treat. Let's dive in and discover why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken should be your go-to recipe!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Get ready to make your taste buds dance with this easy-to-make Garlic Parmesan Chicken! It's one of those recipes that hits all the right notes – crispy, creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor. Here's why it's bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too.

First and foremost, it's a total crowd-pleaser. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken is both kid-friendly and sophisticated enough for dinner guests. The crispy coating combined with the rich garlic-Parmesan flavor is something everyone will love.

Second, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. Even though it tastes gourmet, it comes together in under 40 minutes! You don’t need any fancy ingredients or hours of prep. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll save you time without skimping on flavor – perfect for busy weeknights.

Third, it’s versatile. Whether you serve it with pasta, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad, Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with just about anything. It’s also easy to double or halve the recipe depending on how many people you’re serving.

Lastly, this dish is customizable. You can adjust the level of garlic and Parmesan to your liking, and even add a little heat with some red pepper flakes if you’re into spice. You can also experiment with using chicken thighs or breasts, depending on what you have in your fridge.

Now that you know why you'll love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this dish a hit.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can make a meal that’s bursting with flavor.

• Chicken breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, but chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat. They both cook up beautifully and absorb the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan coating perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. It provides that bold, savory flavor that pairs so well with the Parmesan. You can mince it finely, or even smash it with the side of your knife for a more rustic feel.
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor. While pre-grated works in a pinch, freshly grated will melt more evenly and create a crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: These help create that crispy golden-brown exterior. You can use traditional breadcrumbs, or for an extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs work great.
• Butter and olive oil: This duo ensures that your chicken gets that perfect golden crust. Butter adds a rich, decadent flavor, while olive oil helps keep the coating from burning too quickly.
• Seasonings: In addition to garlic and Parmesan, the recipe calls for salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients enhance the overall flavor and give the chicken a fragrant, herby undertone.

To make this dish even easier, all you need is a large skillet, a shallow bowl for breading, and a spoon for drizzling the butter over the chicken. Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to how to make this mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

How To Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a simple process, and once you’ve made it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If they’re too thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces that cook more evenly. You can also use a meat mallet to pound them out to an even thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks well.

Step 2: Bread the chicken In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter. Dip each chicken breast first into the melted butter, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to make sure the coating sticks.

Step 3: Cook the chicken Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce While the chicken is cooking, melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Drizzle this garlic butter over the cooked chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy Once the chicken is cooked and covered in that delicious garlic butter, it’s time to serve. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you like. The crispy, garlicky chicken pairs perfectly with your favorite sides.

This recipe takes about 30 minutes total from start to finish. Expect crispy, golden chicken with a garlicky Parmesan flavor that will have your taste buds begging for more!

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly will keep the Garlic Parmesan Chicken fresh and flavorful.

• Refrigerator: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the chicken separate from any sides to keep everything fresh.
• Freezer: If you want to store the chicken longer, it freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Now, let’s talk about how you can switch up this Garlic Parmesan Chicken to make it your own.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can customize the recipe:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: For a richer flavor, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender even after cooking, and they’re perfect for anyone who prefers darker meat.
• Add a crunchy topping: If you love texture, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of the chicken before baking for an added crunch.
• Make it low-carb: Skip the breadcrumbs altogether and use almond flour or ground Parmesan as a crust for a low-carb version. You could also try a keto breadcrumb mix.
• Add a spicy kick: For those who like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the breading mix or garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! Whether you keep it simple or add your own twist, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a surefire way to create a delicious, memorable meal.

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