Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is juicy, flavorful, and covered in a buttery, cheesy, herby sauce that makes every bite irresistibly bold. Baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick-fix comfort dinner that works with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
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2 or 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally into cutlets
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3 teaspoons paprika, divided
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon (optional)
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1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
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4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
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1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position your rack in the center.
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Season the chicken: Rub the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, chicken bouillon (if using), and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Arrange them in a lightly greased baking dish.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, grated parmesan, black pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, remaining 2 teaspoons paprika, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Pour over the chicken: Spoon the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. Optionally, reserve a few spoonfuls of sauce for serving.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra parsley. Serve hot with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
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Quick tip: Halving the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and soak in more flavor.
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Cheese matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture and melt—pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
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Optional heat: The chili flakes add a little kick but can be skipped for a milder version.
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Reserve sauce: For extra indulgence, keep a few tablespoons of the butter-parmesan sauce aside and drizzle it over the plated chicken or sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American