This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a hit! It features juicy chicken covered in a creamy garlic sauce and topped with crispy Parmesan cheese. Simple and tasty!
Trust me, the smell of this dish cooking will make everyone come running. I love serving it with veggies or pasta to soak up that delicious sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. You could use thighs if you prefer darker meat, as they stay juicy and tender.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. Grated Parmesan is best, but if you don’t have any, try Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste or use a blend of any hard cheese you have.
Mozzarella Cheese: The stretchy, gooey texture of mozzarella makes it a great topping. If you’re looking for a stronger flavor, use aged mozzarella or provolone instead.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy. If you want a lighter option, whole milk or half-and-half works well. For dairy-free options, try coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken in This Bake?
To ensure the chicken is moist and perfectly cooked, there are a few important steps to follow:
- First, season the chicken well with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the flavors throughout.
- Cooking the chicken just until golden (but not fully cooked) before adding the cream sauce is crucial. This keeps the chicken juicy as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this allows the juices to redistribute, making it even more tender!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes in the oven, plus a few minutes to let it rest. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This adds great flavor from the start.
3. Brown the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden. They don’t need to be cooked all the way through just yet—this step is just to get that lovely color! Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). This mixture will be packed with flavor!
5. Add the Garlic-Parmesan Mixture:
Sprinkle the garlic and Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Make sure each piece gets a good amount for maximum flavor!
6. Pour in the Cream:
Now, pour the heavy cream evenly around the chicken. This will create a creamy, delicious sauce as it bakes!
7. Top with Mozzarella:
Finish off by topping each chicken breast with the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will melt beautifully and create a gooey topping!
8. Bake the Dish:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep everything juicy and flavorful!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve your delicious garlic Parmesan chicken bake hot, alongside your favorite sides like steamed veggies, pasta, or rice.
Enjoy your flavorful and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or even a low-fat cream alternative. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or swap in a light cheese variety.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven right from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help refresh the sauce!
