Garlic Chicken Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that’s sure to please any crowd. In my kitchen, this dish often makes an appearance during busy weeknights or special family gatherings when comfort food is a must. With its crispy, golden coating paired with zesty marinara and gooey cheese, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience for all the senses. The appealing flavors of garlic and Parmesan create a dish that feels indulgent while being simple enough to whip up on a whim. It’s a staple that every home cook should have in their repertoire.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Garlic Chicken Parmesan is more than just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a dish that balances ease and elegance. The crispy breadcrumb layer combined with tender, juicy chicken makes it perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to casual get-togethers. Not only does it take less than an hour to prepare, but it also uses straightforward, budget-friendly ingredients found in most kitchens.
Imagine a dish that’s kid-approved, too—what’s not to love about gooey cheese and savory marinara? It’s a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their veggies, as you can serve it alongside a simple salad or steamed broccoli. Trust me, this recipe is one of those gems that turns ordinary dinners into something memorable.
"This dish blew my mind! It tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant but takes less than an hour to make!" — A happy home cook.
Step-by-step overview
Making Garlic Chicken Parmesan is as straightforward as it is delicious. You’ll start by preparing your chicken and breading mixture, then bake it to crispy perfection before adding marinara and cheese. The process is simple, and the end result is a flavorful dish that’s visually stunning—ideal for impressing dinner guests or treating your family to a delightful meal.
What you’ll need
To recreate this Italian classic, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
If you’re looking to make substitutions, feel free to use whole-wheat breadcrumbs for a health-conscious option or swap out mozzarella for provolone for a different twist.
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things started.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a delicious, crispy coating.
- Lightly coat each chicken breast with olive oil, ensuring they’re ready for the breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the oiled chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. This helps ensure the chicken comes out beautifully golden.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re almost cooked through.
- Carefully remove from the oven and pour marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Pop the baking dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Best ways to enjoy it
Garlic Chicken Parmesan is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic approach, pair it with a light garden salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce. You could also serve it over a bed of spaghetti for a hearty family meal or with roasted vegetables for a healthy twist. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before serving for that extra touch of decadence!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers of Garlic Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 15 minutes. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn, and allow it to thaw completely before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra crunchy coating, consider double-dipping the chicken: once in olive oil and once in the breadcrumb mixture for a thicker layer.
- Try marinating the chicken breasts in lemon juice and a touch of olive oil for an enhanced flavor before breading.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powdered; it really elevates the flavor of the dish.
- If you want to achieve a gourmet look, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end to get that perfect golden color on top.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? You could add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the chicken and marinara for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the marinara sauce before adding cheese. Additionally, if you’re watching your carb intake, try using eggplant slices as a substitute for chicken for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s also vegetarian-friendly.
Common questions
What is the prep time for Garlic Chicken Parmesan?
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking takes around 30-35 minutes, making it an excellent weeknight dinner option.
Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a mixture of Italian cheeses for varied flavors.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, panko, or even finely chopped nuts as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
Is it safe to reheat the chicken multiple times?
It’s best to reheat chicken only once after cooking to maintain quality and taste. Always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Garlic Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic Italian Chicken Parmesan, featuring crispy, golden chicken breasts layered with zesty marinara and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly coat each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Dredge the oiled chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, pour marinara sauce over each chicken breast, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in olive oil and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian