Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Easy and Full of Flavor

Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a juicy, oven-baked dish with a crispy breadcrumb coating packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a special meal with friends. I made this for a weeknight dinner, and my kids loved the crunchy, cheesy topping! This recipe takes about 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients. Let’s make this tasty chicken dish together!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The chicken stays juicy inside with a crispy, garlicky crust that everyone enjoys. You only need a few pantry staples and a baking sheet, so cleanup is quick. It’s great for busy nights or meal prep for the week. You can pair it with veggies, pasta, or a salad for a complete meal. I love how it smells amazing while baking and tastes even better!

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

For the Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for a juicier option or chicken tenders for smaller pieces. Swap panko for regular breadcrumbs, though panko is crispier. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Three shallow bowls
• Fork or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Tongs

These are basic kitchen tools you probably have. A baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup super easy.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.

Prepare the Breading Stations

Place flour in one shallow bowl, beat eggs in a second bowl, and mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third bowl. Set them up in a row for easy coating.

Coat the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating stick. Dip each breast in flour, then egg, then the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to coat well.

Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each with a little olive oil to help them crisp up, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked at 165°F. If not, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, checking to avoid overcooking.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a fresh look, if using. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy touch.

Tips for a Great Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, even cooking; I forgot this once, and some pieces were undercooked. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, as regular breadcrumbs can be softer. Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle, as it helps the coating get golden. Check the oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy. If the coating falls off, press it firmly onto the chicken before baking.

Pro Tip: Get Extra Crispy Chicken

Broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes to make the coating extra crispy. I watch closely to avoid burning, and it makes a big difference.

Variations and Substitutions

Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick; I tried this, and it was a hit with my family. Swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano or thyme for a different herb flavor. Use chicken tenders for smaller, kid-friendly portions. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the coating crispy.

Can You Freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Yes, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness; I froze some and they were still delicious.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks. I used frozen once, and drying them worked perfectly.
   
2. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
   Use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch. I tried cornflakes, and they added a fun texture.
   
3. Can I make this in an air fryer?
   Yes, air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches 165°F. I love the air fryer for a quicker, crispier result.
   
4. Why is my coating soggy?
   You might have skipped drying the chicken or used too little oil. I make sure to pat the chicken dry and drizzle oil to avoid this.
   

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a Caesar salad for a complete meal. A side of pasta with marinara sauce pairs well for a heartier dinner.

Nutrition Info for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Per serving (1 chicken breast, 4 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a quick, crispy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its juicy chicken and cheesy coating make it a crowd-pleaser. Share your favorite way to enjoy this chicken in the comments below!