Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake, you need to gather a few simple items. First, get four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are the star of the dish. Next, you will need one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds rich flavor and a nice texture. You also need four cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that pairs well with chicken. One cup of heavy cream is next. This makes the dish creamy and smooth. For herbs, use one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme works well. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder for extra flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, you’ll need one cup of breadcrumbs. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs for a nice crunch. To finish, chop some fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. Gather these ingredients to make a delicious meal the whole family will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat Oven Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the chicken cooks well. - Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Mixture In a bowl, mix 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. - Coat the Chicken Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture over each piece. Make sure every chicken breast is well coated. - Sprinkle Breadcrumbs Grab 1 cup of breadcrumbs and sprinkle them on top of the chicken and sauce. This gives the dish a nice, crispy top. - Bake Until Cooked Through Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The top should look golden and bubbly. - Rest and Garnish Once it's done, take the dish out and let it rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Ensuring Juicy Chicken To keep your chicken juicy, choose boneless, skinless breasts. Use a meat thermometer. Cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it stays moist and tender. Marinating the chicken for a few hours can also add flavor and moisture. Achieving the Perfect Crunch For a crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs. They provide a great texture. Mix them well with the creamy sauce. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Bake until the top is golden brown for the best crunch. Using Fresh Ingredients Fresh ingredients matter. Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a strong flavor. Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for a rich taste. Fresh parsley adds color and brightness. Always opt for the freshest herbs available. Side Dish Ideas Pair your chicken with simple sides. Roasted vegetables make a great choice. A light salad can balance the richness of the dish. Mashed potatoes or rice are also good options. Pairing with Wines Serve with a white wine like Chardonnay. It complements the creamy sauce well. A light red like Pinot Noir can also work. Choose a wine that suits your taste. Presentation Tips Garnish your dish with fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness. Serve the chicken on a large platter. This makes it look appealing. You can also drizzle some sauce over the chicken before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste compared to pre-minced alternatives. Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices, ensuring each bite is tender and moist. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Breadcrumb Variations: Try using seasoned or flavored breadcrumbs to add an extra layer of taste and texture to the topping. {{image_2}} Adding Vegetables You can boost nutrition by adding veggies. Try slicing zucchini or bell peppers. Mix them into the creamy sauce before pouring it over the chicken. This adds color and crunch to your dish. You can also use broccoli or spinach for a healthy twist. Alternative Cheeses If you want to switch up the flavor, try different cheeses. Mozzarella gives a great melt. Cheddar adds a sharper taste. You can also mix in some feta for a tangy kick. Just remember to keep the cheese to about one cup. Spicy Version For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. You can mix them into the creamy sauce. You can also coat the chicken with a bit of hot sauce. This version will warm you up and impress your guests. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Low-Carb Alternatives For a low-carb option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. This keeps the crunch while cutting carbs. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of chicken for a vegetarian meal. Gluten-Free Options To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. They work just as well and keep the crispy topping. Always check labels to ensure they meet your needs. Dairy-Free Substitutes If you need a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can enjoy a rich taste without the lactose. You can store leftover garlic Parmesan chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. The chicken stays tasty for up to three days. When you want to eat it, just take it out and enjoy. If you want to save it longer, freezing is great. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Before freezing, let the chicken cool completely. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. For the microwave, place the chicken on a plate and cover it. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your meal! How Long to Bake the Chicken? Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You want the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures it is safe to eat. The top should also be golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Can I Use Bone-In Chicken? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just remember, it will take longer to cook. Bone-in chicken typically needs 35 to 45 minutes. Check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C). What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake? You can serve this dish with many sides. Some great options include: - Steamed broccoli - Mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Fresh salad These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken. You can also add a glass of white wine for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake, from ingredients to storage. You learned about key components like chicken, cheese, and herbs. I shared easy steps for preparation and baking. You now have tips for juicy chicken and perfect crunch. Also, don’t forget the fun variations and dietary options. In conclusion, enjoy experimenting with these ideas. Your meals can be simple yet flavorful. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

A creamy and cheesy chicken bake topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, heavy cream, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Pour the creamy garlic Parmesan mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce. This will create a crispy topping during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The top should be golden and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Keyword bake, chicken, easy, garlic, Parmesan