Short Description
Garlic Parmesan chicken bake is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and baked to perfection. This easy, one-pan recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful – A creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
- Easy to make – Just mix, assemble, and bake!
- One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup for a hassle-free dinner.
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted veggies.
- Great for meal prep – Reheats well for delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Mayonnaise or sour cream
- Heavy cream
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce – In a bowl, mix Parmesan, garlic, mayonnaise (or sour cream), heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the dish – Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread the creamy garlic Parmesan mixture evenly on top.
- Add cheese – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan over the chicken.
- Bake – Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Broil for a crispy top – For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Low-carb option – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Extra crispy – Top with seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
- Herb boost – Add fresh basil or thyme for extra depth.
- Dairy-free option – Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Adjust cooking time as thighs may need 5-10 minutes longer.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a side salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use less cream or add a little cream cheese for a richer texture.
Can I add veggies to the bake?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus work well.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (75°C).
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Cover loosely with foil if needed and don’t overbake.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low-carb when served without pasta.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 18-20 minutes, checking for doneness.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan chicken bake is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this easy recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Made with tender chicken breasts coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, this baked dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Spread the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- If using, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crispiness.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Make It Crispier: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a golden brown top.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve with steamed veggies.
- Extra Flavor: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.