Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a classic and delicious dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Here's a complete recipe and some tips on how to make it even tastier:
**Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe**
** Servings: 4-6 people**
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 3 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
* Olive oil for cooking
**Tips on Cooking Techniques:**
1. **Brine the chicken:** Before cooking, take the chicken breasts and soak them in a mixture of 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt for 30 minutes. This will help keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
2. **Don't overcook the chicken:** Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
3. **Use fresh breadcrumbs:** Fresh breadcrumbs will give the chicken a better crust than stale breadcrumbs. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
4. **Don't skimp on the garlic:** Garlic is a key ingredient in this dish, so make sure to use at least 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
5. **Use high-quality cheese:** Parmesan and mozzarella cheese are essential to this dish. Use high-quality cheese to get the best flavor.
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the chicken:** In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. **Prepare the garlic butter:** In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
4. **Coat the chicken:** Dip the floured chicken breasts in the beaten egg and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. **Drizzle with garlic butter:** Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with the garlic butter.
6. **Bake the chicken:** Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. **Top with Parmesan cheese:** Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
8. **Add marinara sauce:** Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. **Bake again:** Bake the chicken for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. **Garnish with parsley:** Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
**Variations:**
* **Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken:** Add some heat to your garlic parmesan chicken by sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top of the chicken before baking.
* **Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken:** Add some brightness to your garlic parmesan chicken by squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking.
* **Korean Garlic Parmesan Chicken:** Give your garlic parmesan chicken a Korean twist by sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of the chicken before baking.
* **Vegan Garlic Parmesan Chicken:** Use vegan breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to make a vegan version of this dish. You can also use a vegan mozzarella cheese alternative.
**Other Tips:**
* **Use leftovers:** Garlic parmesan chicken is a great dish to use leftovers from. You can use leftover marinara sauce and chicken to make a delicious chicken sandwich or salad.
* **Freeze it:** Bake the garlic parmesan chicken and then freeze it for a quick lunch or dinner. Simply thaw it and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
* **Make it ahead:** Prepare the garlic butter, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will save you some time when you're ready to cook the chicken.
I hope you enjoy this garlic parmesan chicken recipe! It's a classic and delicious dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.