Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a wonderful mix of juicy chicken breasts, plenty of garlic, and a crispy, cheesy Parmesan topping that gets golden and delicious in the oven. It’s simple but packed with flavor, making it an easy go-to dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss.
I love how the garlic and Parmesan create this perfect combo—rich and flavorful but not overwhelming. When I make this dish, I always try to let the chicken marinate for a bit so the garlic really sinks in, then sprinkle on extra Parmesan before baking to get that irresistible crust on top.
This is one of those meals I like to serve with a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. It’s great for a weeknight dinner but also nice enough for guests because it looks and smells amazing coming out of the oven. Plus, leftovers taste just as good, making lunch the next day a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer, chicken thighs can be a great substitute—they’re more forgiving and stay tender.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds sharp, nutty flavor and melts beautifully to form a golden crust. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bright, punchy flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but it won’t be as vibrant.
Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth: These create the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or milk combined with a little flour to thicken. Vegetable broth also works if you want to avoid chicken broth.
Italian Seasoning & Lemon Juice: Italian seasoning adds classic herb notes while lemon juice lightens and balances the richness. Fresh lemon is best, but bottled lemon juice can work too.
How Can I Get the Chicken Juicy and the Sauce Creamy?
Cooking chicken breasts just right and making a creamy sauce can be tricky, but here’s how I handle it:
- Sear First: Brown the chicken quickly in hot oil to lock in juices and add flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one.
- Make the Sauce Separately: Mix cream, broth, garlic, and cheese before pouring over chicken. This helps it cook evenly and turn thick and creamy in the oven.
- Resting: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking so juices redistribute, keeping it tender.
By following these simple steps, your chicken will stay juicy, and the sauce will be rich and silky, coating each piece perfectly. Adding parsley and lemon at the end freshens up the whole dish!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish – I prefer a large skillet because it sears the chicken and goes straight into the oven, saving dishes.
- Meat thermometer – helps you cook the chicken perfectly to keep it juicy.
- Mixing bowl – for stirring the creamy garlic sauce easily and evenly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for precise work with ingredients like cream, broth, and lemon juice.
- Grater – to freshly grate Parmesan cheese and get the best flavor and melting texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch up proteins by adding cooked shrimp or scallops on top of the baked chicken for a seafood twist.
- Enhance the sauce with sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for some added color and flavor.
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a milder, gooey topping.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian herbs to give the dish a different aromatic kick.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes to bake and a few minutes to let the chicken rest before serving. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in under 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season each chicken breast on both sides with salt and black pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Then take the skillet off the heat.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, half of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Stir everything together well.
3. Bake the Chicken:
Pour the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the browned chicken breasts in your skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
4. Finish and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add lemon wedges for garnish. Serve the chicken warm with some of the creamy sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and better texture.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with Something Lighter?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich but will still taste delicious.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms either before baking or alongside the chicken works great and adds color and extra flavor.