Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Quick, Juicy & Flavor-Packed!)

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Let me just start by saying: thank you for being here. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into the world of baking chicken dinners, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is everything I adore about simple food—easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. I know you’re going to love it just as much as I do.

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What Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake?

At its core, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a tender, juicy chicken dish infused with bold garlic, nutty parmesan, and a buttery herb blend that comes together in a single pan. No fussy marinades, no breading required—just pantry staples and under 30 minutes from fridge to table!

It’s the kind of recipe you whip up when you’re short on time but want to eat like royalty.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

• Weeknight Hero: It comes together in under 30 minutes. Yes, including prep.

• Packed with Bold Flavors: Garlic, parmesan, butter, Italian herbs—need I say more?

• One Pan Magic: Less cleanup = more time to kick back.

• Customizable: Make it spicy, make it mild, or make it with whatever you have on hand.

• Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the carb-heavy sides and pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles!

What Does Garlic Parmesan Chicken Taste Like?

Think juicy chicken cutlets nestled in a luscious, buttery garlic sauce with pops of parmesan and smoky paprika. There’s a hint of heat from red chili flakes and brightness from lemon juice. The smell when it’s in the oven? Absolutely dreamy.

It’s cozy without being heavy and flavorful without overpowering. Honestly, it’s comfort food done right.

Benefits of This Recipe

• High-protein and satisfying

• Family-friendly with minimal prep

• Great for meal prep—just reheat and serve

• Can be made low-carb or gluten-free

• Easily doubles for a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 or 3 chicken breasts, halved horizontally (about 1.5 lbs total)

• 3 tsp paprika, divided

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp instant chicken bouillon (optional, but boosts flavor!)

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp minced garlic (or garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

• 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife & cutting board (for slicing chicken)

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring spoons

• Oven-safe baking dish

• Basting brush or spoon (for coating the chicken)

• Meat thermometer (for doneness check)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• Chicken Thighs: For an extra juicy result, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully.

• Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a twist.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or zucchini slices right in the dish.

• Boost the Crunch: Top with crispy panko for a crust-like finish (not low-carb).

• Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture before baking.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven
   Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Move the rack to the center position.

2. Prep the Chicken
   Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pat them dry and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (1 tsp), lemon juice, and bouillon.

3. Arrange Chicken
   Lay the seasoned chicken in a lightly greased baking dish in a single layer.

4. Mix the Sauce
   In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, olive oil, parmesan, remaining paprika (2 tsp), minced garlic, black pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, and red chili flakes.

5. Coat the Chicken
   Pour the buttery parmesan mixture over the chicken cutlets, reserving a few spoonfuls if you want extra sauce for serving.

6. Bake
   Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C). A slight golden crust will form on top. You can broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning!

7. Garnish & Serve
   Sprinkle with more parsley and spoon the reserved sauce over top. Serve hot!

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here are some delicious sidekick ideas:

• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Garlic bread (you know you want to!)

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Don’t skip the lemon juice – it brightens up the whole dish.

• Use fresh parmesan – the pre-shredded kind won’t melt as nicely.

• Cut evenly – thinner cutlets cook quickly and evenly.

• Don’t overbake! Dry chicken is a no-go. A thermometer is your friend here.

• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without garnishes) for up to 3 months.

• To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the chicken and mix the sauce the night before. Store everything covered in the fridge, then just bake when ready. Great for busy nights!

Can I use cooked chicken for this recipe?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Pre-cooked chicken won’t soak up the buttery garlic-parmesan flavors and may become dry in the oven.

Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check that your bouillon and seasonings don’t include hidden gluten.

How spicy is this chicken dish?

It’s mild by default. The red chili flakes add a little kick, but you can leave them out or increase the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake?

Yes! Once baked and cooled, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What sides go best with this chicken bake?

It pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast to achieve a similar flavor.

Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?

No need to cover it! Baking uncovered allows the top to get beautifully golden and slightly crisp.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish or two and make sure the chicken is in a single layer for even cooking.

In Summary

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a go-to for busy nights when you still want something homemade, wholesome, and deeply flavorful. It’s buttery, garlicky, melty, and just the right balance of comfort and class.

Ready to make it your new weeknight favorite? I promise it’s anything but boring!!

More Recipes You’ll Love with Similar Vibes:

• Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe – a restaurant classic you can now make at home!

• Mediterranean-Style Chicken Piccata – lemony, zesty, and perfect with pasta or greens.

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – a quick lunch or dinner fix with serious garlic-parmesan flair.

Share Your Bake!

I’d love to see how your Garlic Parmesan Chicken turns out!
Leave a review, share your thoughts, or snap a photo and tag us on Pinterest at @recipesbysylvia  Let’s keep each other inspired and the dinner ideas flowing!

ith me today! Keep this one in your rotation—you won’t regret it.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Quick, Juicy & Flavor-Packed!)

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• Author: Sylvia
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is your new weeknight hero! Made with tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, buttery garlic-parmesan sauce, it’s packed with flavor, quick to prep, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy baked chicken recipe is a guaranteed win.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 or 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp cracked black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 3 tsp paprika, divided

• 1 tsp instant chicken bouillon (optional, for extra depth)

• 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven.

• Prep the chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, lemon juice, and bouillon.

• Arrange the chicken in a lightly greased baking dish in a single layer.

• Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, parmesan, remaining 2 tsp paprika, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, red chili flakes, and a pinch of black pepper.

• Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating each piece evenly. Reserve a few spoonfuls of the mixture if you’d like extra sauce for serving.

• Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).

• Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden crust on top.

• Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and drizzled with reserved sauce. Enjoy with your favorite side dish!

Notes

• Shortcut Tip: If you’re short on time, use garlic powder instead of minced garlic—it’s still delicious!

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and cheese for dairy-free alternatives if needed.

• Extra Crispy Top: Want more texture? Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.

• Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

• EquipmentSharp kitchen knife
  Cutting board
  Mixing bowl
  Measuring spoons
  9×13 baking dish (or similar size)
  Basting brush or spoon
  Meat thermometer

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (of 4)
• Calories: 302 kcal
• Sugar: 0.7 g
• Sodium: 423mg
• Fat: 26.7 g
• Saturated Fat: 12.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9.6 g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8.2 g
• Cholesterol: 52.5mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, baked chicken, quick chicken dinner, keto chicken bake