When I need something cozy but low-effort, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken is the dish I turn to.
It takes pantry staples and turns them into something that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
But the real magic? That cheesy golden crust on top of juicy chicken—it never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just 6 ingredients – All of which I usually have on hand.
No-fail method – Comes out juicy and flavorful every time.
That crispy topping – A golden crust of parmesan and mayo is everything.
Versatile – Great with pasta, salad, or veggies.
Family favorite – Even picky eaters devour this one!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Trimmed and ready to soak up all that flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creates the base for a rich, tangy coating.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, cheesy depth. Use freshly grated for best results.
Italian seasoning + garlic powder: Simple pantry spices that give this dish classic flavor.
Salt & pepper: A must for seasoning both the chicken and the topping.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pound the chicken lightly for even cooking.
Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking—165°F is perfect.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a crispier crust.
Want a browner top? Broil for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicke
Step 1: Prep the baking dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or oil.
Step 2: Arrange and season the chicken
Place the chicken breasts evenly in the dish.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the creamy topping
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 4: Spread the topping
Spoon the mayo mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Use a spatula to spread it out so each piece is fully coated.
Step 5: Bake until golden
Bake uncovered at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
What to Serve It With
This chicken pairs beautifully with buttered pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
I also love it alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
Variations / Substitutions
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—just adjust the baking time.
Top with breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch.
Storage & Leftovers
Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Microwave gently or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freeze: Not ideal, as the mayo mixture may separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. Just bake a few extra minutes.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until ready to bake.
What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than the pre-shredded kind.
Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Try adding spinach or thin tomato slices under the topping for more texture and flavor.
How do I avoid dry chicken?
Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F. Resting also helps retain juices.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just be sure your Parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
What sides go best with this chicken?
Garlic bread, sautéed green beans, or pasta tossed in olive oil are all great choices.
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is a go-to in my kitchen for a reason.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and takes so little effort to pull together.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, this dish never disappoints.
Give it a try, and I promise it’ll make its way into your regular rotation too.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the dish and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Spoon the mixture over the chicken and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Tent with foil if browning too fast.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-3/
