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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Breast (Easy One Pan Meal)

crispy garlic parmesan baked chicken breast - featured image

This crispy garlic parmesan baked chicken breast is a one-pan wonder that delivers a genuinely crunchy crust and juicy meat. Made with simple ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan, and a secret mayo base, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s family-approved and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra grated parmesan (for garnish, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to about 1-inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Stir until smooth.
  4. In another medium bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Mix with a fork until the oil is evenly distributed and the breadcrumbs look slightly clumpy.
  5. Take one chicken breast and coat it completely with the mayo mixture. Then press it firmly into the panko-parmesan mixture, ensuring every surface is covered. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. For extra crunch, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, slice if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

For the crispiest results, use full-fat mayonnaise and freshly grated parmesan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; leave at least an inch of space between chicken breasts. For gluten-free version, swap panko for gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy garlic parmesan chicken, baked chicken breast, one pan meal, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, meal prep chicken