Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the quintessential weeknight comfort meal. This dish takes simple chicken breasts and transforms them into a savory, tender delight coated in a rich, aromatic sauce and topped with crispy, melted Parmesan cheese. Originating from the rich tradition of Italian-American cuisine, this recipe is a faster, less complicated alternative to Chicken Parmigiana, focusing on intense garlic flavor rather than heavy tomato sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 600g / 1.5 lbs)
- ½ cup All-purpose flour (approx. 60g)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (approx. 30ml)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter (approx. 90g)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 100g), divided
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step Preparation
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Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts completely dry. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast lightly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Tip: Patting the chicken dry is crucial; it ensures the flour coating adheres properly and creates a beautiful sear.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken should not be fully cooked at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Do not allow the garlic to burn. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately.
- Coat and Top: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the chicken.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the fresh chopped parsley over the chicken. Let the chicken rest in the skillet for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is highly protein-dense. Per serving (assuming 4 servings), Garlic Parmesan Chicken contains approximately 480 calories, 45 grams of protein, and 30 grams of fat. It is an excellent source of lean protein necessary for muscle maintenance and provides calcium from the Parmesan cheese. To reduce the fat content, you can use less butter and substitute a portion with chicken broth.
Storage
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, the best method is using an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This prevents the coating from becoming soggy and helps restore the crisp texture of the cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will soften the crust significantly.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a triumph of flavor and simplicity. It pairs beautifully with almost any side dish—try serving it over a bed of buttery spaghetti, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside a fresh caprese salad. For a delicious variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle spicy kick, or incorporate a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the overall flavor profile. Enjoy this quick, decadent dish!