Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
If there’s one recipe my whole family agrees on, it’s this baked garlic parmesan chicken! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold garlicky flavor and cheesy goodness—it’s a weeknight classic that never gets old (and trust me when I say that the crunchy topping is absolutely to die for!).
I love serving it over buttery mashed potatoes with a side of green beans for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry grown-ups, this one’s always a winner.
Best of all, you’re not going to have to rush out and buy a whole load of fancy ingredients to make it. We’re using chicken breasts and a handful of extras like seasonings, spices, garlic, and parmesan, and I’d bet you likely already have most of them in your pantry. Oh, and it’s on the table in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (cut in half): Cutting them in half makes for quicker cooking and more even portions—plus you get more of that cheesy topping on each piece.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness. Great for color, too. We’ll use this twice, in the seasoning and then for the topping.
- Chicken bouillon cube: An extra hit of savory flavor—like instant umami.
- Onion powder: A must-have for building flavor.
- Garlic powder: Works with the fresh garlic later to layer that garlicky goodness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Vegetable oil: Helps everything stay juicy while baking.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the topping irresistibly rich and helps the Parmesan get golden and bubbly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melts into a golden crust.
- Pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick.
- Garlic (minced): For that real-deal garlic flavor in the buttery topping.
- Red pepper flakes: I love the subtle heat they bring.
- Italian seasoning: Gives it that cozy, herby flavor without needing five different spice jars.
How To Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with foil (makes cleanup way easier).
- In a big bowl, toss the chicken with the paprika, crushed bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Use your hands and really get in there—make sure every piece is coated. Spread the chicken out evenly on the baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, melted butter, Parmesan, black pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and a little more paprika. It’ll smell amazing already. Scoop about half of this buttery mix and dollop it onto each piece of chicken—just a little spread across the tops for now. Set the rest aside for later.
- Bake for around 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden in spots.
- Once it’s out of the oven, spoon the rest of that garlicky Parmesan topping right over the hot chicken. Serve it up and enjoy every juicy, cheesy bite.
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover baked garlic Parmesan chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy top—just avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture on point!
Recipe Hints & Tips
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If the seasoning isn’t sticking well to the chicken, add a small drizzle of oil to help everything coat more evenly.
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Be sure not to dip any utensils that touched raw chicken back into the reserved sauce mixture—that second half is for after baking.
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If your butter mixture firms up while the chicken cooks, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it back up before adding it to the finished dish.
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Want crispier edges? Switch on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes of baking—just keep a close eye on it!
Serving Ideas
This baked garlic parmesan chicken is super versatile, so you can pair it with whatever you love most—but here are a few go-to combos:
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Mashed potatoes and green beans – My personal favorite. Classic, cozy, and just the right mix of creamy and crisp.
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Buttered noodles or pasta – Especially good with a little extra parmesan sprinkled on top.
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Roasted vegetables – Think carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for an easy sheet pan side.
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A crisp green salad – Add a lemony vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken.
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Garlic bread and a side of marinara – For a fun twist that leans Italian comfort food.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts cut in half
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with foil (makes cleanup way easier).
- In a big bowl, toss the chicken with the paprika, crushed bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Use your hands and really get in there—make sure every piece is coated. Spread the chicken out evenly on the baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, melted butter, Parmesan, black pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and a little more paprika. It’ll smell amazing already. Scoop about half of this buttery mix and dollop it onto each piece of chicken—just a little spread across the tops for now. Set the rest aside for later.
- Bake for around 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden in spots.
- Once it’s out of the oven, spoon the rest of that garlicky Parmesan topping right over the hot chicken. Serve it up and enjoy every juicy, cheesy bite.
If you’re after a weeknight dinner that’s low effort but high reward, this baked garlic parmesan chicken is it. It’s cozy, comforting, and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. Whether you serve it with mash and green beans (trust me on that one) or your own favorite sides, it’s the kind of recipe that’s guaranteed to make repeat appearances.