Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe has become a weeknight staple for me. It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and surprisingly quick to make.

It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have a ton of time.

Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Recipe Overview: Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is all about crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. The chicken stays juicy on the inside while getting that satisfying crunch on the outside.

It’s kind of like a grown-up version of chicken tenders, but with way more flavor.

I love serving this with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables. It also works great with pasta – toss some cooked spaghetti or linguine with a little olive oil and some of the extra Parmesan, and you’ve got a complete meal.

You could even slice the cooked chicken and put it on top of a Caesar salad for a heartier lunch or dinner. Or, make chicken parmesan sandwiches.

Really, the options are endless!

Detailed Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). I usually go for ones that are relatively even in thickness so they cook uniformly.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs. These help the breading stick to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of breadcrumbs. You can use plain, Italian-seasoned, or even Panko breadcrumbs. Panko will give you an extra-crispy crust.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always best, but the pre-grated kind works fine in a pinch.
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is key here – it gives the dish that amazing, pungent flavor.
• Olive Oil: About 1/4 cup, for pan-frying. You can use any cooking oil you prefer, but I like the flavor of olive oil.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, and some fresh parsley for garnish.
• Substitution Tip: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but the fresh stuff really makes a difference. For the breadcrumbs, if you’re gluten-free, you can easily substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: First, I like to make sure my chicken breasts are ready to go. If they’re very thick, I’ll sometimes pound them a little thinner with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet. This helps them cook more evenly. Just place them between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Get three shallow dishes ready. In the first, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). In the third dish leave it empty, this will be your area to place the breaded chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. Make sure every bit of the chicken is covered in that delicious breading. Place breaded chicken in your third dish.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately.
5. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you may need to work in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.
6. Keep an Eye on it: Lower the heat slightly if the breading is browning too quickly before the chicken is cooked. Also, you should keep flipping the chicken.
7. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a plate lined with paper towels for a few minutes. This helps absorb any excess oil.
8. Garnish and Enjoy!: Sprinkle with fresh parsley (if using) and serve immediately.

Variations & Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Baked Version: For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Air Fryer Version: You can do it in your air fryer, cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cooked through.
• Make-Ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Storage: Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the air fryer or in a skillet. Microwaving is okay, but it wont be as crispy.
• Serving Suggestions: Try this dish with buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fresh steamed green beans.

Key Details

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Equipment you’ll need: 3 shallow dishes, large skillet, meat mallet (optional)