Name: Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with savory garlic and cheesy goodness in every bite, Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re cooking for the family on a busy weeknight or trying to impress guests, this dish delivers big on flavor and presentation.

What makes this chicken so irresistible is its golden, crunchy crust. The combination of sharp Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and garlic transforms a simple chicken breast into something that tastes straight from a bistro kitchen. Serve it with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a balanced and satisfying meal that feels anything but ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe is the perfect marriage of texture and flavor. The crisp crust adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken underneath. Garlic and Parmesan are a match made in heaven, and here they shine without overpowering the meat. Plus, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and oven-baked for a lighter take on classic fried chicken.

You can also customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Add a bit of Italian seasoning for a herby twist, or throw in some chili flakes if you want a little heat. It also reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will yield a slightly juicier bite because of their higher fat content. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness for even cooking. The Parmesan crust sticks just as well to thighs as it does to breasts, so it’s really up to your personal preference. Whether you opt for leaner breasts or richer thighs, the final result is always delicious.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is all about using humble ingredients to create bold flavor. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese makes for a coating that turns basic chicken into something truly special.

Chicken breasts
Parmesan cheese
Garlic cloves
Italian-style breadcrumbs
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil or melted butter
Eggs
All-purpose flour

Each of these plays an important role. The chicken breasts are your canvas. Parmesan cheese brings salty richness, while garlic gives the dish its bold, unmistakable flavor. Breadcrumbs provide crunch, and salt and pepper balance the taste. Olive oil or butter helps the crust crisp up beautifully, and eggs and flour create the necessary binder for all those tasty layers to stick.

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents dryness. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Sear for Extra Crunch (Optional)

For an extra golden crust, sear the coated chicken breasts in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or butter for 1-2 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crisp and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe feeds 4 people generously and is a great option for both casual weeknight dinners and impressive weekend meals. Once baked, Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is best served immediately while the crust is still hot and crispy. You can slice it and serve over pasta, pair it with mashed potatoes, or layer it onto a sandwich for a crunchy upgrade.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain that satisfying crunch. Microwaving works too, but the coating will soften.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

H3: Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

The tangy creaminess complements the savory crust beautifully. Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta.

H3: Roasted Asparagus

Its earthy flavor and light crunch balance the richness of the chicken.

H3: Lemon Herb Rice

A bright, zesty rice side cuts through the garlic-Parmesan and adds freshness.

H3: Classic Caesar Salad

You can’t go wrong with crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons.

H3: Garlic Butter Naan

Scoop up bites of chicken with warm, soft naan bread like the Easy Homemade Naan Bread.

H3: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Velvety potatoes with just a touch of garlic tie into the chicken’s flavor profile.

H3: Sautéed Green Beans

Simple and quick, they add a clean, crisp note to your plate.

H3: Classic Caprese Salad

The juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella from the Classic Caprese Salad make a refreshing contrast.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’re in for a treat with these other flavorful dishes from the kitchen:

Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms for something hearty and creamy.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a garlicky double-dose of flavor.
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole if you’re craving something cheesy and comforting.
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a lighter grilled version.
No Peek Chicken Casserole for an easy, oven-baked favorite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for chicken thighs or stick with breasts? Maybe you added some herbs or gave it a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re all here to help each other make dinner a little more delicious.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to chicken dinners!

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a dish that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any day of the week. Whether you bake it up as a weeknight staple or serve it as the centerpiece for a special dinner, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—this is the kind of meal everyone will request again and again.