Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

The Best Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Ever

Garlic parmesan crusted chicken redefines ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering sensation that promises delightful culinary magic.

Crispy, golden exteriors give way to tender, succulent meat infused with robust flavors and irresistible textures.

Cheese and herbs create a harmonious blend that elevates this classic protein to gourmet status.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can produce such impressive results without complicated techniques.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance across each perfectly coated piece, promising a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

Strategic coating methods ensure maximum crunchiness and flavor absorption throughout the entire dish.

The combination of sharp parmesan and aromatic garlic delivers a sophisticated twist on traditional chicken preparations.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken So Crispy

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Garlic and Parmesan create a powerful taste combination that elevates basic chicken with rich, savory notes and a bold cheese punch.
  • Crave-Worthy Texture Contrast: Crispy Parmesan crumb topping delivers an irresistible crunch against the tender, juicy grilled chicken, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: With just 30 minutes total time and simple preparation steps, this recipe provides a gourmet-style meal that's perfect for busy families seeking delicious, hassle-free dinner solutions.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe's cheesy, herby ranch spread and golden-brown topping make it appealing to both adults and kids, ensuring a universally loved meal that works for casual dinners or small gatherings.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded thin for even cooking and tender texture.
  • Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds rich and creamy flavor to the chicken.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Ranch Dressing: Provides moisture and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the savory profile.
  • Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Brightens the marinade and helps break down chicken proteins.
  • Minced Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the overall seasoning.
Coating and Topping:
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy, light texture for the chicken's exterior.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese, Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor and helps create a golden crust.
  • Garlic Salt: Provides additional seasoning and enhances the garlic profile.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping and adds richness to the dish.
  • Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess and tangy flavor to the spread.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cooking Guide

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together these ingredients for a flavor-packed marinade:
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour marinade over chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.

Step 2: Grill to Perfection

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken should have beautiful golden-brown grill marks and be fully cooked.

Step 3: Create Creamy Ranch Spread

Mix in a bowl:
  • Ranch dressing
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Parmesan Topping

Combine in a separate bowl:
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Melted butter

Stir until mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil

Preheat broiler. Transfer grilled chicken to oven-safe dish. Spread ranch mixture over each chicken breast. Top with provolone cheese and sprinkle generously with Parmesan crumb mixture. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and topping turns golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal | Servings: 4

Pro Tips for Golden Crusted Chicken

  • Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken marinate overnight to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration and extra tenderness.
  • Perfect Grilling Technique: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results.
  • Crumb Topping Trick: Crush bread crumbs finely for an even, crispy coating that adheres beautifully to the chicken.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Watch broiler closely to prevent burning, aiming for a golden-brown topping with perfectly melted cheese.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let chicken rest 5 minutes after broiling to lock in moisture and enhance overall flavor profile.

How to Keep Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fresh for Later

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Reheating Oven: Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep meat juicy.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Place a damp paper towel over chicken to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.

Best Sides for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the garlic and Parmesan flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of the chicken's creamy topping.
  • Serve with Zesty Salad Side: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding freshness and complementing the garlic notes.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a touch of garlic salt to echo the chicken's seasoning and provide a nutritious accompaniment.
  • Complement with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy pale ale or crisp pilsner that will cut through the cheese and butter, refreshing the palate between bites of the rich chicken.

Flavor Swaps for Your Next Crusted Chicken Night

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace ranch dressing with tzatziki sauce and add dried oregano, basil, and thyme to the Parmesan crumb topping for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into the Parmesan crumb topping and swap ranch spread with a chipotle cream sauce for a zesty, heat-packed version.
  • Low-Carb Almond Crust: Substitute bread crumbs with crushed almonds and add nutritional yeast to maintain the crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Pesto Parmesan Fusion: Replace ranch spread with homemade basil pesto and sprinkle pine nuts into the Parmesan crumb topping for an Italian-inspired alternative.
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Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic parmesan crusted chicken brings Italian-inspired elegance to weeknight dinners with crispy, herb-infused perfection. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden, cheesy crust promise a delightful meal that satisfies both comfort and gourmet cravings in one simple, irresistible dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) shredded provolone cheese
  • ⅓ cup (26 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Marinade Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) bottled ranch dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Coating and Topping Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (60 grams) panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) bottled ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Immerse chicken pieces in a flavorful marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow deep flavor penetration and tenderizing.
  2. Heat grill to medium-high temperature, creating optimal cooking conditions for juicy chicken. Cook chicken thoroughly, monitoring internal temperature for doneness.
  3. Simultaneously prepare ranch spread by blending smooth ranch dressing with finely grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy mixture.
  4. Craft a crispy topping by combining golden bread crumbs, aromatic garlic salt, freshly shredded Parmesan, and melted butter. Mix until ingredients form a cohesive, slightly crumbly texture.
  5. Transfer grilled chicken to a heat-resistant baking dish, ensuring even placement.
  6. Generously coat each chicken breast with prepared ranch spread, creating a luscious base layer.
  7. Layer thin slices of provolone cheese atop the ranch spread, allowing for optimal melting potential.
  8. Sprinkle the carefully crafted Parmesan crumb mixture over the cheese, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  9. Activate broiler and position dish underneath, watching closely as cheese melts and crumbs transform into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
  10. Remove from broiler once topping achieves a delicate, crisp texture and cheese bubbles invitingly.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight intensifies the chicken’s flavor, creating a juicy and tender base for the rich, cheesy topping.
  • Broiling transforms the dish into a golden-brown masterpiece, ensuring a crispy texture and melted cheese that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 486
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1094 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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