Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake — Crispy, Juicy Weeknight Recipe

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is on my meal plan this week and remains one of my favorite quick, no-fuss chicken recipes. Chicken cutlets are versatile and fast to cook, but they can dry out or lack flavor. This version solves both problems: a bright, garlicky marinade keeps the meat moist while infusing it with fresh flavor, and a simple toasted breadcrumb-Parmesan topping adds satisfying texture without tedious breading.

What makes this recipe especially convenient is the shortcut for the crust. Instead of dredging and frying each piece, you quickly toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet and mix them with Parmesan. Then you simply sprinkle the mixture over the cooked cutlets—less hands-on time but all the flavor and crunch.

If you don’t buy cutlets, you can easily make them from chicken breasts by slicing the breasts in half horizontally and, if needed, halving those pieces vertically to create even portions. Large breasts yield several cutlets from just a couple of whole pieces.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This garlic Parmesan chicken is low in fat and calories, straightforward to prepare, and full of flavor. It’s an excellent option for an easy family dinner that feels special but comes together quickly.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Allison McGee

A quick, flavorful weeknight dinner—no tedious breading required. Low in fat and calories, this garlic Parmesan chicken is simple to make and packed with taste.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15
Cook Time 12
Additional Time 2
Total Time 2 27

Course Chicken

Servings 8 pieces
Calories 132 kcal

Equipment

Cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet
Kitchen knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 8 chicken cutlets
  • 4 tablespoons Italian breadcrumbs
  • 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Prepare the marinade: whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, water, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place chicken cutlets and marinade in a gallon zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
  • When ready to cook, heat a skillet over medium and spray lightly with cooking spray. Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring, for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer toasted breadcrumbs to a small bowl and mix with the shredded Parmesan.
  • Respray the skillet and add the marinated chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and immediately sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture over each cutlet. Serve right away while the coating is crisp.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cutlet, 3 oz.Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 19gFat: 6g

Keyword easy chicken recipes, garlic Parmesan chicken, Parmesan chicken
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Photos by Julie 208/Shutterstock.com

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