This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a comforting dish that’s super easy to whip up! Juicy chicken is coated in garlic and topped with creamy Parmesan, creating a tasty, cheesy layer.
If you love the smell of garlic and cheese wafting through your kitchen, this is for you! I enjoy serving it with some veggies on the side for a colorful plate. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this bake as they cook evenly and stay moist. If you have thighs on hand, they can be a great substitute too, just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may need a bit longer.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice creamy texture and rich flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can also work well. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
Mayonnaise: This adds moisture and flavor to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead for similar creaminess while cutting back on calories.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but I recommend about 1 teaspoon for equivalent flavor.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have this blend, a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works perfectly. Personalize it with herbs you enjoy!
How Can I Make the Chicken Bake Extra Flavorful?
A key step to elevating your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned and that the garlic mixture sticks well. Here are some tips:
- Start by marinating the chicken in a bit of lemon juice or olive oil for 30 minutes before baking; this helps with flavor and moisture.
- Mix the Parmesan and garlic ingredients thoroughly until completely combined, ensuring every piece of chicken gets a good coating.
- Try adding a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper for a slight kick in flavor!
- Monitor the cooking time carefully; you want golden-brown cheese on top but not overcooked chicken.
Following these tips will create a delicious, flavorful dish that you and your family will love!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (to grease the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Bake will take about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 25-30 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this meal in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely blended together.
3. Arrange the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into your greased baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly but aren’t overcrowded.
4. Spread the Delicious Mixture:
Take your prepared Parmesan garlic mixture and spread it evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Press down slightly so that the mixture adheres well to the chicken.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (with an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
6. Broil for Crispiness:
If you want an extra crispy top, switch to broil for about 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
7. Let it Rest and Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for an added pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Garlic Parmesan Chicken with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or some fluffy rice. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Bon Appétit! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add even more moisture to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or blended silken tofu for creaminess.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily mix together basil, oregano, and thyme to create a homemade substitute. Just use about 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, along with 1/4 teaspoon of thyme. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove until heated through. If the topping has lost some crispiness, you can pop it back under the broiler for a minute to crisp it up again!