This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a cozy dish that features tender chicken covered in a tasty garlic and parmesan topping. It’s not just delicious, but super simple to make!
What I love most is how the chicken stays juicy while the parmesan gets all crispy. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! Get ready for a family favorite without the fuss! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here for their lean meat. If you’d like, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even switch to bone-in chicken, but cooking time may vary.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh on hand, garlic powder can be a substitute, but use less—about 1 teaspoon should do. Remember, garlic flavor is stronger in powder form!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is crucial for that cheesy topping. If you want a different flavor, Pecorino Romano works well too. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the topping. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or for a vegan alternative, use a plant-based mayo.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for richness. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap it with olive oil or a vegan butter. Both will help achieve a nice crispiness!
How Do You Get the Chicken Bake Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken perfectly cooked is key for a juicy result. Here’s what to focus on:
- Use a meat thermometer! The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if they are uneven. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- If you prefer slightly crispy edges, broil for just a few minutes at the end, but stay close to avoid burning.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes to cook, making the total cooking time approximately 40 minutes. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish with some cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are spread out and not overlapping so they cook evenly.
4. Spread the Mixture:
Now, take your creamy garlic Parmesan mixture and spread it evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Use a spatula if you have one to make it easier.
5. Bake and Watch:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the topping is golden and bubbling.
6. For a Crispier Top:
If you want an extra crispy topping, switch to broil mode for just 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Be careful and watch closely so that it doesn’t burn!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for a minute, then sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic Parmesan chicken bake!
This dish is sure to impress and is perfect for a family dinner. Happy cooking! 😊
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for mayonnaise, giving your dish a lighter twist without sacrificing creaminess. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can make this recipe dairy-free by using plant-based cheese alternatives for the Parmesan and mozzarella, and opting for vegan mayonnaise instead. Just ensure that the products are labeled dairy-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a little splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They tend to be juicier and can withstand longer cooking times, just be mindful to adjust the cooking time as needed if they are thicker than breasts.
