Hearty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake for Easy Dinners (Print Version)

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. Get my simple recipe for tender chicken, rich garlic, and savory Parmesan. Your new family favorite!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 8 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I won't tell!)
04 - 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

→ Seasonings & Spices

07 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
08 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken breasts super dry with paper towels. This is a step I used to skip, and honestly, it makes all the difference for a good sear. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning. You want them well coated! This pre-seasoning really gets the flavor into the meat. I always feel a bit like a chef during this part, getting my hands messy, which is part of the fun.
02 - Heat a good glug of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my fave!) over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add the chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it won't sear properly – I learned that the hard way, ending up with sad, steamed chicken once, oops! Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown. This step is crucial for locking in flavor and texture.
03 - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in all that glorious minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned – burnt garlic is a no-go! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all that flavor lives! Stir in the heavy cream and a good sprinkle of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. It should smell absolutely divine.
04 - Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure they're mostly submerged in that dreamy sauce. Sprinkle half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and into the sauce. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened. I always peek through the oven door, watching it come to life!
05 - Once the chicken is almost done, pull the skillet out of the oven. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the chicken. You want a good, thick layer! Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. If you want it extra crispy on top, you can even hit it with the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it like a hawk – cheese burns fast, trust me, I've had many a dish with slightly-too-toasty cheese.
06 - This is the hardest part for me, honestly: letting it rest! Take the skillet out of the oven and let the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, keeping it super tender. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The green just makes it look so vibrant, and the fresh herbs really cut through the richness. Serve it up and enjoy your masterpiece!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing; it’s the secret to that beautiful golden crust, I learned this the hard way after many pale chicken attempts.
02 - Leftovers are fantastic, but reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to prevent the sauce from separating.
03 - For an extra zing, swap out half the chicken broth for dry white wine; it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
04 - Serve this hearty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake with a big, crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that incredible sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 40g

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