One busy weeknight, I stared at the fridge for dinner ideas. The clock seemed to speed up, and cooking felt like a chore. But then, I thought of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake.
It needed just a few things: chicken, parmesan cheese, and garlic. In 35 minutes, we sat down to a tasty homemade meal. It was easy to make and left little mess.
What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a tasty oven dish. It has tender chicken breasts topped with garlic and parmesan. The chicken is marinated in garlic, butter, parmesan, and spices.
This dish is easy to make and great for all ages. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal. You can serve it with sides for a complete dinner.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Planning a delicious garlic parmesan chicken bake? Knowing the ingredients is key. This meal is tasty and healthy for the whole family. I’ve listed the must-haves and extras, so you can make it your own.
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Dish
The main ingredients for garlic parmesan chicken bake are simple yet powerful. Here’s what you need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup white wine
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Seasoning salt (1½ teaspoons)
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon)
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon)
Optional Ingredients for Customization
Want to make it even better? Try these optional ingredients:
- 1 cup light mayonnaise (or ½ cup mayo and ½ cup plain yogurt)
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided into two ½ cup portions
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for garnishing
- Vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition
These ingredients make a comforting and tasty meal. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Making garlic parmesan chicken bake is easy. It’s a tasty recipe that doesn’t take much time. Just follow these steps to make a great dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the thinly cut chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and herbs.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
| Task | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Baking Time | 25-35 minutes |
This garlic parmesan chicken bake is not just an easy dinner recipe; it’s a dish crafted to delight. Enjoy the savory flavors paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
To make a tasty garlic parmesan chicken bake, follow some important tips. These tips will make your dish better. They help make sure your meal is a hit with your family.
Cooking Tips for Juicy Chicken
For juicy chicken, cut the breasts into thin pieces. This way, they cook faster and more evenly. It makes the chicken tender.
Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and spices. It adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and perfection.
Recommended Side Dishes
Choosing the right side dishes can make your meal even better. Here are some great options:
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
These sides add to the meal’s flavor and make it balanced. They’re perfect for family dinners.
Health Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
The garlic parmesan chicken bake is full of good stuff. It’s made with healthy ingredients. This makes it a great choice for a family meal.
Nutrition Information for a Balanced Meal
This dish has about 421 calories per serving. It has 35 grams of protein, which is very good. It also has only 4 grams of carbs, which is low.
It has 33 grams of fat, with 17 grams being saturated. It also has lots of vitamins and minerals. For example, it has 1847 IU of vitamin A and 390 mg of potassium.
Chicken thighs, heavy cream, and spinach make it even healthier. Each serving has 1 gram of fiber and only 2 grams of sugar. It’s a great choice for a healthy meal.
Uses of Garlic and Parmesan in Your Diet
Garlic is not just for flavor. It’s also good for your health. It can help your heart and lower blood pressure.
Parmesan cheese adds flavor and calcium. Together, they make the dish tasty and healthy. Adding this to your meals means you and your family eat well.
How to Store Leftovers of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
When I make garlic parmesan chicken bake, I often have leftovers. I let it cool a bit before putting it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh.
In the fridge, leftovers last 3 to 4 days. When I’m hungry, I just reheat it. Adding water helps keep the chicken moist and the flavors rich.
If I freeze it, I try to avoid it because of the cream sauce. But if I must, it can last up to 4 months.
Having leftovers makes meal planning easy. It saves me time and lets me enjoy tasty meals.
Garnishing and Serving Suggestions
Making the garlic parmesan chicken bake look good can make dinner better. I like to add fresh parsley on top before serving. It makes the dish look nice and adds color.
Serving it with bright veggies or a salad makes it even better. It looks good and is healthy too.
Ideas for Presentation
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil to brighten the dish.
- Use lemon wedges for an inviting splash of color and a refreshing zest.
- Arrange the chicken slices neatly on a serving platter, drizzled with the creamy sauce.
- Include a side of colorful roasted carrots, zucchini, or a mixed green salad.
Pairing with Drinks and Sides
Choosing the right drinks and sides can make the meal better. A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, is great. It goes well with the garlic and parmesan.
For something without alcohol, try sparkling lemonade or iced tea. Garlic bread or herb-infused quinoa are good sides. They make the meal complete.
Why This Recipe Is a Family-Friendly Meal
This garlic parmesan chicken bake is great for families. It’s quick and easy to make. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and cooks in about 30 minutes. My kids love it when they smell the cheesy garlic. It makes dinner time exciting.
The dish tastes good to kids and healthy for adults. It has protein, carbs, and vitamins. Each serving has about 421 calories, which is just right.
Parents can make it even better by adding veggies or sides. Everyone can find something they like. We enjoy it with salads, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.
One-Pan Meal: Easy Cleanup After Cooking
The garlic parmesan chicken bake is a one-pan meal. It combines all ingredients in one dish. This makes cooking and cleaning up easy.
After cooking, just soak the dish and wash it. This is great on busy nights. It’s perfect for families who want tasty meals without a mess.
Variations on the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe
Trying new things with the garlic parmesan chicken bake can make it even better. It’s fun to mix up flavors and add special touches. You can make it spicy or add more veggies to keep it interesting!
Spicy Version of Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Do you like a little spice in your food? Try a spicy chicken version of the garlic parmesan bake. Use sriracha or cayenne pepper in the marinade for a kick. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference!
Vegetable Additions for Extra Nutrition
Want to make your meal healthier? Add veggies to the garlic parmesan chicken bake. Spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli are great choices. They add flavor and make your meal balanced. These changes let everyone enjoy a healthy, tasty dish.
