Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Description:
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a comforting, family-friendly dinner packed with juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Baked until golden and bubbly, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked. Transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Pour the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, then finish with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.
10. For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Notes

• Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to make it a complete one-pan meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Servings

Serves: 4

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 43g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g