Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Simple Recipe for a Flavorful Meal

Garlic parmesan chicken is one of those meals that speaks to a comfort food craving while also offering a burst of flavor that is deeply satisfying.

I find that the aromatic garlic combined with the nutty, salty notes of Parmesan cheese creates a dish that’s not just indulgent but impressively adaptable. I’ve learned that this dish can be prepared in various ways, from a quick skillet method to oven-baked breaded preparations. It’s quite versatile, pairing beautifully with anything from simple salads to hearty pasta.

What keeps me coming back to garlic parmesan chicken is its ease and simplicity. Even on a weeknight, I’m able to whip up this meal in under 45 minutes. The ingredients are usually already in my pantry and fridge: some chicken breasts, grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, garlic, perhaps a few herbs, and a binding agent like mayonnaise or cream to create that coveted creamy sauce. I appreciate that this dish can be as straightforward or as creative as my taste desires, whether I’m adding a touch of cream for richness or tossing in some spinach for an additional layer of flavor and nutrition.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

In this section, I’m going to walk you through a straightforward yet delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe that boasts a perfect blend of crisp breading and creamy, cheesy topping.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Breading Mixture:
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Wet Mixture:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For the Creamy Topping (Optional)*:
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated mozzarella (if using mayonnaise)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Additional garlic to taste

*Optional toppings can be used for a creamy garlic parmesan version.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat my oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Breading and Chicken Preparation: In one bowl, I mix together the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, basil, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, I combine olive oil and minced garlic. I dip each chicken breast first into the olive oil mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, then dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Baking: Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F or 75 degrees C).
4. Creamy Topping (If using the creamy version): While the chicken is baking, if desired, I combine the heavy cream or mayonnaise with mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese in a bowl. During the last few minutes of baking, I spread this mixture over the chicken and return it to the oven to bake until the topping is bubbly and slightly browned.

Keep in mind that cooking times might vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. This dish can be paired with a side of vegetables or pasta for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

When examining the nutritional details of garlic parmesan chicken, it’s key to consider the macros: calories, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Relaying precise figures, a single piece of garlic parmesan chicken typically contains around 386 calories. The distribution of macronutrients can be significant for those tracking their daily intake, so let’s break this down.

• Calories: 386 kcal per piece
• Fat: Varies considerably; roughly, 27% of calories can come from fat in a 77-gram serving.
• Protein: It isn’t explicitly delineated in the snippets, but chicken is a high-protein food.
• Carbohydrates: Also not specifically stated in the snippets, but this dish will have carbs due to the presence of breadcrumbs and cheese.

For further context, the percent Daily Values (%DV) involved are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, a typical reference but individual needs vary. Here’s an example for a 77-gram serving:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	150	—
Fat	40.5 g	27%
Protein	—	—
Carbohydrates	—	—

*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Remember that these figures might fluctuate based on the recipe variations, cooking method, and cut of chicken used (white meat, dark meat, skin-on, etc.). Cooking the chicken with additional butter or oil, as well as variations in the amount of parmesan and breadcrumb coating, will also alter the nutritional profile.