Hey y'all! If you're searching for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both quick and comforting, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy) will be your new favorite. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly—what’s not to love? Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or meal prep for the week, this dish delivers every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy)
- Ready in under an hour with less than 15 minutes of prep time.
- Loaded with creamy, savory flavors that the whole family will crave.
- Bakes in one pan for minimal cleanup—perfect for busy nights.
- Super versatile: great for meal prep, casual dinners, or special occasions.
- Easy to customize for gluten-free, low-carb, or keto diets.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy)
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and arrange the chicken in an even layer.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, remaining salt and pepper, and paprika.
- Stir until well-combined and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Spoon the creamy Parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken breast, spreading to cover the tops completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy)
- For extra flavor, marinate your chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for up to 2 hours before baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese can be waxy (learn more about grating your own cheese here).
- If you’re short on time, slice the chicken breasts in half to reduce baking time by 5-8 minutes.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy) Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and serve with roasted vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Italian Style: Layer sliced tomatoes and fresh basil over the chicken before baking.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven mitts
Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy)
- Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months (food safety tips here).
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted green beans for a balanced meal.
- Serve over buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a hearty dinner.
- Great with a side of garlic bread or steamed broccoli.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy)
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking (see how here).
- Let the baked chicken rest before slicing to keep it extra juicy.
- For a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking (watch closely!).
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy) FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time as thighs may need a few extra minutes. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just check your Parmesan and seasonings for hidden additives. - Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake (Easy) ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
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2Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
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3In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and dried Italian herbs until well combined.
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4Spread the garlic parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
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5Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
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6Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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