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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food made simple. Juicy chicken breasts are baked in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, topped with golden cheese, and served with your favorite sides. It’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for low-carb or gluten-free lifestyles!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan plus extra for topping
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional garnish
Optional Add‑Ins
  • 1 cup spinach or sun‑dried tomatoes
  • ½ cup mozzarella or Asiago cheese
  • Sides: roasted broccoli asparagus, or cauliflower

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat; add garlic and sauté until fragrant (~1 min).
  4. Stir in cream and Parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy.
  5. Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour sauce over them.
  6. Sprinkle extra Parmesan (or mozzarella) on top.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until sauce bubbles and chicken reaches 165°F.
  8. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and lemon juice if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a tender, juicy bite.
Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of Italian seasoning before baking.
For maximum flavor, mix softened butter with minced garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs—then slather it over the top like a boss.
Bake uncovered to allow the topping to crisp up into a golden, cheesy crust.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure chicken hits 165°F internally—no guesswork needed!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or roasted green beans.
A crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread makes it feel like a full Italian-style feast.
Spoon the garlicky pan juices over rice or couscous for extra flavor.
Perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or meal prep lunches.
Serve it straight from the baking dish—it looks rustic and smells like heaven!
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish (minus baking) up to 24 hours ahead—store covered in the fridge.
Refrigerator: Leftovers keep well in a sealed container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or use the microwave in 1-minute bursts.
Tasty Variations to Try
Spinach-Artichoke Style: Add chopped spinach and marinated artichokes under the topping.
Creamy Upgrade: Mix a bit of cream cheese or sour cream into the Parmesan mixture.
Zesty Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and thyme to the breadcrumb mix for brightness.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and just use cheese and herbs—still golden and delicious!
Buffalo Kick: Swirl in a little buffalo sauce into the topping for a spicy twist.