Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken – The Ultimate Baked Chicken Recipe
Let’s be real—baked chicken can be boring. Dry, flavorless, sad little pieces of poultry that make you question your life choices.
But not this one. This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and covered in a golden, cheesy, garlicky crust that tastes like something straight out of a fancy Italian restaurant.
The best part? No frying. Just a quick prep, pop it in the oven, and boom—flavor explosion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy without frying. That Parmesan coating = next-level crunch.
✅ Packed with flavor. Garlic, butter, cheese—what’s not to love?
✅ Super easy. Five minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest.
✅ Pairs with anything. Serve it with pasta, salad, mashed potatoes, or just eat it straight off the pan (I won’t judge).
Ingredients
🐔 For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (or 4 small breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
🧄 For the Crispy Parmesan Coating:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the good stuff, not the powdery kind)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
🧈 For the Buttery Coating:
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (trust me, this adds magic)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (makes it crazy juicy)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (because no one likes scrubbing dishes).
2. Butterfly the Chicken (AKA, Make It Cook Evenly)
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Make the Crispy Parmesan Coating
- In a bowl, mix together Parmesan, panko, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and minced garlic.
4. Prepare the Buttery Coating
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, and mayo.
- This is the secret to locking in moisture while giving the coating something to stick to.
5. Coat the Chicken
- Brush the buttery mixture all over each chicken breast.
- Press each piece into the Parmesan-panko mixture, coating both sides fully.
6. Bake Until Perfectly Golden
- Arrange the chicken on your baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray (extra crispiness, trust me).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches 165°F internally.
7. Broil for That Extra Crunch (Optional, But Highly Recommended)
- For the ultimate crispy crust, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it—cheese burns fast!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
⭐ With pasta: Toss some spaghetti in garlic butter or marinara sauce.
⭐ With veggies: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini pair perfectly.
⭐ In a sandwich: Load it on a brioche bun with garlic aioli.
⭐ With mashed potatoes: Because carbs make everything better.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
🔥 Skipping the mayo/Dijon mix.
- It might sound weird, but this keeps the chicken crazy juicy. Don’t skip it.
🔥 Not pressing the coating in.
- If you just sprinkle it on, it won’t stick. Press it into the chicken to make sure it stays put.
🔥 Overbaking.
- Dry chicken is the enemy. Use a meat thermometer and pull it at 165°F.
🔥 Forgetting the broil step.
- If you want that restaurant-style crispy topping, broil it for a minute at the end.
FAQs – Because I Know You Have Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
2. Can I air-fry this?
Absolutely. Air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Then bake as usual.
4. How do I store & reheat leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry for 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts – You NEED This in Your Life
This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—all without frying. It’s easy, foolproof, and insanely delicious.
Make it tonight, and thank me later. 😉🔥
Let me know how it turns out! 👇
