Creamy Parmesan Garlic Baked Chicken Breasts
When it comes to family dinners that feel indulgent yet come together effortlessly, this recipe is a star. It’s the perfect combination of creamy richness from mayonnaise, nutty depth from Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic flavor, all baked into tender, juicy chicken breasts. The result is a dish so comforting that it might just earn its place as a weekly staple at your dinner table.
In this long-form recipe, we’ll cover everything — from the detailed ingredient breakdown, step-by-step cooking process, kitchen tips, variations, and even meal-pairing ideas. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge to recreate this dish not only once but adapt it in multiple exciting ways.
Why This Recipe Works
This baked chicken recipe is brilliant in its simplicity. Mayonnaise might sound unusual at first as a chicken topping, but it works wonders here. It coats the chicken breasts with a creamy layer that locks in moisture and helps achieve a golden-brown crust in the oven. Parmesan cheese adds a savory, salty punch while garlic (both fresh and powdered) infuses depth. The best part? It’s all mixed into one easy topping you spread over the chicken before baking.
The result: juicy inside, crispy golden on the outside, and packed with bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(Medium-sized, about 6–8 ounces each. If very thick, you may want to pound them slightly for even cooking.) -
1 cup mayonnaise
(Use real mayonnaise, not salad dressing. If you prefer lighter, Greek yogurt can replace part of it.) -
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
(Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor and texture, but pre-shredded works as well.) -
1 teaspoon salt
(Adjust to taste, since Parmesan already contains salt.) -
½ teaspoon black pepper
(Freshly cracked gives the best flavor.) -
1 teaspoon minced garlic
(Fresh garlic adds sharpness. Can be swapped with jarred garlic if short on time.) -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
(Yes, both are used. Powder adds a mellow, rounded garlic flavor while minced garlic adds freshness.)
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs (for a pop of color and herbal brightness).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect to cook the chicken through while still letting the topping brown nicely.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture can prevent the topping from sticking properly and may steam the chicken instead of baking it.
If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally or pounding them to about 1-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Topping
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine:
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mayonnaise
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Parmesan cheese
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minced garlic
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garlic powder
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salt
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black pepper
Mix thoroughly until the ingredients come together into a creamy, slightly textured spread. The Parmesan will give the mixture a grainy look, and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the dish.
Using a spoon or spatula, evenly spread the Parmesan-mayo mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Don’t skimp — this layer is what locks in the flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so always check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
The topping should be golden-brown and slightly bubbling when done. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end — just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute juices and keeps the chicken moist. Garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs for a fresh touch.
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes (we’ll explore options shortly).
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are some ideas:
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Classic Comfort: Mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
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Low-Carb: Steamed broccoli and cauliflower rice.
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Mediterranean Twist: Orzo pasta salad with cucumbers, olives, and feta.
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Healthy Plate: Quinoa with roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Overbake: Chicken breasts dry out easily. Use a thermometer to prevent overcooking.
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Customize the Seasoning: Add paprika, Italian herbs, or crushed red pepper to the topping for extra flair.
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Try Blends of Cheese: Mixing mozzarella or cheddar with Parmesan makes the topping gooier and richer.
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Use Chicken Thighs: For juicier meat, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully with the same recipe.
Variations
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Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes to the mayo mix.
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Herb Lover’s Version: Stir in fresh chopped basil, thyme, or parsley.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavor.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy cheese topping.
Storing and Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping greasy and chicken rubbery.
