1️⃣ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy & cheesy – A rich garlic parmesan sauce coats tender, juicy chicken.
- Easy & one-pan – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and everything bakes in one dish.
- Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep.
- Versatile – Can be served over pasta, rice, or with roasted veggies.
2️⃣ Ingredients Notes
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (adds color and slight smokiness)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)
- ½ cup chicken broth (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated melts best)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for that perfect gooey melt)
For Topping:
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (adds a crispy texture)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
3️⃣ How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the chicken in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly.
- Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a creamy sauce.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the garlic parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the top is golden brown.
4️⃣ Expert Cooking Tips
- Use a meat thermometer – Ensures chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
- For extra crispiness – Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy topping.
5️⃣ Variations and Substitutions
- Low-carb/Keto – Skip the breadcrumbs and serve with steamed veggies.
- Spicy twist – Add buffalo sauce or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Different cheeses – Swap mozzarella for gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
- Grilled version – Grill the chicken, then pour the sauce over it before serving.
6️⃣ What to Serve with This Recipe
- Healthy Options: Roasted Brussels sprouts, a fresh Caesar salad, or steamed broccoli.
- Indulgent Choices: Garlic bread, buttered pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- Beverage Pairings: A glass of chilled white wine (like Chardonnay) or a creamy garlic ranch dipping sauce.
🔥 Enjoy this rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake—guaranteed to be a new family favorite!
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