Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy texture, savory garlic flavor, and rich Parmesan cheese—without the need for frying. These oven-baked chicken cutlets are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb crust that turns beautifully golden while staying juicy and tender inside. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe gives you all the crunch of fried chicken with none of the mess or excess oil. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple pantry staples, and bakes up beautifully crispy in the oven. The garlic and Parmesan coating adds bold flavor that both kids and adults love, while the baked method keeps it lighter and more nutritious. It’s versatile enough to serve with salads, pasta, vegetables, or sandwiches.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken

Crispy baked chicken recipes are a staple in many households, and this Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s the kind of comforting, satisfying meal that feels indulgent while still being simple and practical for everyday cooking.

Unlike traditional fried chicken, this recipe relies on oven baking to achieve a golden, crunchy crust. The combination of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese creates a crisp exterior that rivals any fried version, without the added oil or cleanup.

Garlic powder and Italian seasoning infuse the chicken with savory flavor in every bite. These classic seasonings pair perfectly with Parmesan cheese, creating a coating that’s aromatic, well-balanced, and deeply satisfying.

Chicken cutlets are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and quickly. Their thinner size allows the coating to crisp up nicely while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.

This dish is especially popular for family dinners because it’s approachable and universally loved. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the familiar flavors and crunchy texture, making it a reliable go-to recipe.

Another reason this baked chicken shines is its versatility. It can be served as a main dish with sides, sliced over salads, tucked into sandwiches, or paired with pasta for a heartier meal.

Because it’s baked, this recipe is also perfect for meal prep. The chicken reheats well in the oven or air fryer, maintaining its crispiness better than many other chicken dishes.

This recipe is also beginner-friendly. With a simple three-step breading process and straightforward baking instructions, it’s accessible even if you’re new to cooking.

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges add the perfect finishing touch. The brightness of lemon juice balances the richness of the Parmesan crust, elevating the dish from simple to special.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken delivers big flavor, satisfying crunch, and dependable results every time.

Servings & Time

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken

4 chicken cutlets (or 2 large chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp kosher salt

Breading

2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving

Nonstick cooking spray
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
In a second shallow dish, whisk eggs and milk together.
In a third shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels.
Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes if additional browning is desired.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version
Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor

Make-Ahead

Bread the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days

Serving Variations

Serve over pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce
Slice and add to Caesar salads or wraps

Avoid Mistakes

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—space helps crispiness
Always pat chicken dry to help coating stick properly

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