1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, and chopped parsley if using. Mix well.
- Prepare Mayo Mixture: In another bowl, mix mayonnaise with Dijon mustard if using. This will help the coating stick to the chicken and add extra flavor.
- Coat Chicken: Spread a thin layer of the mayo mixture over each chicken breast. Press the coated chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
3. Bake the Chicken
- Arrange in Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Oil or Butter: Drizzle the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them brown and crisp up.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Serve
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Success
- Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the mayo mixture and breadcrumb mixture for an even, crispy coating.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, you can use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the baking dish. They’ll cook alongside the chicken and soak up the delicious flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
- Different Cheese: Try mixing in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a simple yet impressive dish that combines juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s an easy recipe that delivers on both flavor and texture, making it a go-to for busy nights or whenever you’re craving a comforting meal. With its savory garlic and Parmesan flavors, this chicken bake is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the crispy goodness and delicious simplicity of this satisfying meal!