Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a flavorful, crispy, and creamy comfort dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, and Italian herbs, then baked with a rich mixture of butter, olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously savory crust. The dish is finished with fresh parsley and optional chili flakes for a subtle kick, resulting in a delightful balance of textures and flavors that pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 or 3 chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon (optional)
- 3 teaspoons paprika, divided (1 tsp for seasoning, 2 tsp for sauce)
Sauce & Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or garlic powder as substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 400ºF (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, instant chicken bouillon if using, and one teaspoon of paprika. Arrange the seasoned chicken evenly in a baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper, minced garlic, two teaspoons of paprika, fresh chopped parsley, red chili pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly and pour the sauce mixture over the chicken cutlets in the baking dish, distributing evenly while reserving some for serving if desired.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your oven. The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165ºF (75ºC) and the topping turns golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately. Pair it with cauliflower rice or your choice of baked vegetables. Use the remaining sauce as a flavorful dip. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Instant chicken bouillon is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce butter and oil by half and increase seasoning to maintain flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute with slightly less potency.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to 165ºF (75ºC) to ensure safety.
- Adding red chili flakes is optional; omit for a milder dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
