Description
A comforting and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy garlic butter sauce topped with melted mozzarella and crispy Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this dish is rich, cheesy, and easy to customize to your liking.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Cheeses
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build the flavorful base before cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a hot pan and sauté freshly minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing the essential aroma that defines the dish.
- Assemble the Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter over the chicken, then pour the heavy cream evenly to coat all pieces. Top generously with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bake for a fresh color and flavor boost before serving warm.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Sauté garlic before adding to the dish to intensify its flavor.
- Allow the baked dish to rest a few minutes before serving to let juices redistribute.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Chicken Bake, Cheesy Chicken, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Gluten Free Chicken Bake
