Homestyle Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake for Easy Dinners (Print Version)
This easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake brings tender chicken and savory flavors to your dinner table. A simple, satisfying weeknight meal.
# 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:
→ Chicken & Dairy Base
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
1 cup heavy cream
03 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
05 -
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Seasonings & Herbs
07 -
1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning, divided
08 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
09 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab those chicken breasts and pat them super dry with paper towels. Seriously, this step is crucial for getting a good sear, so don't skip it like I once did! Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Season them generously with a pinch of salt, a good grind of black pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. I love seeing the chicken pieces all seasoned up, ready for their moment in the pan.
02 -
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my fave!) over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and delicious looking. We're not cooking it through here, just getting that amazing crust. Don't touch it too much while it's searing, let that crust form!
03 -
Once all the chicken is seared, set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add another splash of olive oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it's fragrant and your kitchen starts smelling incredible. Be careful not to burn it—burned garlic is bitter, and nobody wants that! This is where the foundation of our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake truly begins.
04 -
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that's pure flavor, hon! Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon. This creamy base is what makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake so utterly comforting.
05 -
Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering cream sauce. Sprinkle about half of your grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. Give it a gentle stir to combine, making sure every piece of chicken gets coated in that luscious sauce. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and let it sit for a few minutes to melt and get all gooey. If you want, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two for an extra golden crust on top, but watch it like a hawk, parmesan burns fast! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The smell right now is just divine; a perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake ready to devour!
# Notes:
01 -
Patting the chicken dry before searing is a non-negotiable for a golden crust, I learned that the hard way!
02 -
For best results, grate your own Parmesan cheese; the pre-shredded stuff can make the sauce clumpy.
03 -
This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making a double batch for yummy leftovers!
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end really brightens up the flavors and adds a pretty pop of color.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 -
measuring cups and spoons
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 40g