Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs baked with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes and requiring minimal ingredients, this one-dish meal offers comforting cheesy, garlicky goodness perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want an easy-yet-impressive dish.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build flavor from the start.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, locking in moisture and creating a flavorful crust.
- Mix the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Top with Cheese: Spread the garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the browned chicken. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and brightness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Drying the chicken thoroughly ensures proper browning and prevents steaming.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best vibrant flavor.
- Do not skip searing the chicken; it develops savory flavor and texture.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish to save on cleanup and seamlessly go from stovetop to oven.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Baked Chicken, Easy Dinner, Cheesy Chicken Bake, Weeknight Meal, Gluten-Free Chicken Recipe