GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. Tender chicken is pan-seared or baked and then coated in a delicious garlic Parmesan crust. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, and the combination of garlic and Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for pan-searing or 1 tablespoon melted butter (for baking)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Parmesan Crust:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Make garlic Parmesan crust: In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley (if using), and olive oil (or melted butter). Mix well.
- Sear chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Add garlic Parmesan crust: Reduce heat to medium. Spread the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe temperature.
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken immediately.
Notes
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs might require slightly longer cooking times.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if possible, as it melts better than pre-grated cheese.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for the flavor of this dish.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
- Resting: Resting the chicken before serving is important for keeping it juicy.