This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The chicken is seasoned and baked in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, creating a savory crust and a tender, juicy center. You can even reserve some of the sauce for dipping! Whether you’re serving it with roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or pasta, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 or 3 chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally

• 3 teaspoons paprika, divided

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon (optional)

• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400ºF (200ºC).

2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken cutlets generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, instant chicken bouillon (if using), and one teaspoon of paprika. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, parmesan, black pepper, minced garlic, two teaspoons of paprika, parsley, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, saving some for dipping later, if desired.

4. Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

5. Serve: Serve the garlic parmesan chicken immediately with a side of cauliflower rice, baked veggies, or pasta. Enjoy with the reserved sauce for dipping.

Nutrients

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 640mg

• Potassium: 500mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 500 IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 200mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Is a Must-Try

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake stands out for its unbeatable combination of garlic, parmesan, and seasoning that creates a delightful, savory crust. The chicken, when baked, soaks up the rich flavors of the sauce while still remaining juicy and tender. The crispy edges of the chicken are coated in the garlic parmesan sauce, which caramelizes during baking to create a satisfying texture. It’s a dish that offers both comfort and elegance, making it ideal for casual dinners as well as special occasions.

This recipe also provides a wonderful balance of flavors. The garlic offers an aromatic richness, while the parmesan brings a sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken. The lemon juice adds a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, and the optional red chili pepper flakes provide a subtle kick for those who enjoy a little heat.

A Quick and Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

One of the reasons this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is such a great choice is because it is both quick and easy to prepare. With only a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and flavorful meal ready in less than 30 minutes. The chicken breasts are seasoned and baked in a single dish, minimizing cleanup time, which is always a bonus when cooking on a busy weeknight.

To prepare the dish, the chicken breasts are seasoned with a combination of spices, lemon juice, and optional chicken bouillon for extra depth of flavor. The chicken is then placed in a baking dish, and the garlic parmesan sauce is prepared by mixing melted butter, olive oil, parmesan, garlic, and seasonings. This sauce is poured over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated and ready to bake. After 15-20 minutes in the oven, the chicken is fully cooked, and the result is a tender and flavorful dish with a beautiful golden crust.

The Importance of Seasoning the Chicken

Seasoning is a key element to ensuring the chicken tastes flavorful and juicy. In this recipe, the chicken breasts are seasoned with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. This seasoning creates a wonderful base flavor for the chicken before it is coated with the rich garlic parmesan sauce. For an added depth of flavor, you can include instant chicken bouillon, which enhances the savory notes of the dish.

Lemon juice not only adds a refreshing acidity to balance the richness of the sauce, but it also helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring it remains juicy while baking. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds warmth and depth to the dish, giving it a flavor profile that is both simple and satisfying.

The Magic of Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The garlic parmesan sauce is the star of this dish. By mixing melted butter, olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, garlic, parsley, and seasonings, you create a sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and incredibly flavorful. As the chicken bakes, the sauce infuses into the meat, creating a savory crust while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside.

The olive oil adds richness, while the parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic and butter. Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce an aromatic intensity that makes each bite incredibly flavorful. For those who enjoy a little extra heat, the red chili pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice to balance the dish’s richness.

Baking the Chicken to Perfection

Baking the chicken at 400°F (200°C) ensures the chicken cooks through evenly while achieving a golden, crispy exterior. The chicken is baked for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. To ensure it’s fully cooked, check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C). This method guarantees that the chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

When baked, the garlic parmesan sauce forms a beautiful crust on top of the chicken, providing both texture and flavor. The sauce thickens slightly as it cooks, creating a luscious coating that you can use as a dip for the chicken or serve alongside any side dishes.

Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

While rich and flavorful, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake offers a balanced mix of nutrients. The chicken breast provides an excellent source of lean protein, offering around 30 grams of protein per serving, which helps support muscle growth and repair. It also contributes to overall health by providing essential nutrients like potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, and calcium, which supports bone health.

The dish contains 24 grams of fat per serving, including 9 grams of saturated fat from the butter and parmesan. While this is a relatively high fat content, the dish can still fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The garlic, parsley, and other seasonings provide additional health benefits, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots. These vegetables add fiber and vitamins to the meal while complementing the savory richness of the chicken.

Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option that pairs well with the creamy sauce, providing a light and healthy base. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken with traditional pasta or mashed potatoes, both of which can be coated with the leftover garlic parmesan sauce.

For a more filling meal, garlic bread or crusty baguette can be served on the side, perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Easy Meal for Any Occasion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food, offering a savory and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavor make it a perfect choice for families and guests alike. Give it a try, and you’ll see why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake quickly becomes a favorite on your dinner table!