Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with the robust punch of garlic, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This recipe takes simple ground chicken and transforms it into crispy, flavorful patties bursting with a perfect balance of herbs, parmesan, and garlic. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or impress guests with minimal fuss. Let me take you on the delicious journey of making this golden, cheesy delight that’s destined to be a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken plays a vital role, from the succulent ground chicken providing a tender base to the sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese adding a delicious depth. Each herb and seasoning enhances the overall flavor, while breadcrumbs and eggs help create a perfect texture that crisps up beautifully.

• 900 g ground chicken: This lean protein is the perfect canvas, juicy yet light, absorbing all the flavors beautifully.
• 100 g grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, salty bite that elevates the dish beyond ordinary chicken.
• 60 g panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy, panko ensures a crispy, crunchy texture in every bite.
• 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together, keeping the patties moist and stable.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides fresh, aromatic garlic flavor that’s bold but well balanced.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic profile subtly and evenly throughout the chicken.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor to complement the garlic.
• 0.5 tsp dried basil: Brings a hint of herbaceous warmth to brighten the dish.
• 0.5 tsp dried parsley: Freshens the flavor and adds a little green color contrast.
• 0.5 tsp fine salt: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
• 60 ml whole milk: Moisturizes the mixture, keeping the patties tender when cooked.
• 45 g unsalted butter: For cooking, giving a rich buttery flavor and perfect browning.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Used in the finishing butter sauce to add a fresh punch of garlic aroma.
• 25 g grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled over at the end for an extra cheesy finish.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley: Adds a bright, fresh note to garnish.
• Pinch of fine salt: Balances the finishing touches and brings everything together.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Start by combining your ground chicken with the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic cloves, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, pepper, eggs, and whole milk. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. This step is crucial because it ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned and textured without becoming tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Once your mixture is ready, divide it into equal portions and gently shape each into round, slightly flattened patties. Aim for about 8 medium-sized patties — not too thick so they cook evenly and remain juicy inside. Placing them on a parchment-lined tray can help keep things tidy before cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties carefully and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Resist the urge to move them too much; letting the crust form is where all the magic happens. The panside melting butter also infuses them with irresistible flavor and color.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, after removing the patties, add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt, letting the heat gently melt the cheese into a creamy, savory butter sauce. This finishing touch adds a luscious coating to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Return the cooked patties to the skillet and spoon the garlic Parmesan butter sauce over them. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish. This step is where your dish truly shines, combining bold garlic and creamy cheese in each bite.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green color but also introduces a mild herbal brightness that balances the rich, garlicky cheese perfectly. If you want to take it up a notch, add a little extra freshly grated Parmesan right on top for that glorious cheesiness.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs like a dream with crisp salads, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. Roasted vegetables work beautifully too, adding earthy flavors and a satisfying textural contrast to the tender chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual meal, serve these patties stacked on toasted sandwich buns with some fresh lettuce and tomato for a mouthwatering chicken slider. Or place them atop a bed of garlic-infused quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still feels indulgent and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes for a quick lunch or dinner option that reheats beautifully without losing its flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for a longer period, freeze the uncooked patties separated on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cooked patties can also be frozen, but for best texture, uncooked freezing is recommended.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over low heat, spooning some butter or olive oil over them to keep them moist. Alternatively, microwave them covered for short intervals, but be cautious to avoid drying them out. Reheat the garlic Parmesan butter sauce separately and drizzle over before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken for this recipe?

This recipe works best with ground chicken because of the texture it provides. Using chicken breast whole would require a different cooking method, but you could finely chop or pulse breast meat in a food processor to create a similar base.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This change keeps the texture satisfying while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken spicier?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture will introduce a nice kick of heat without overpowering the garlic and cheese. You can also sprinkle some spicy paprika into the breadcrumb mix.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the ingredients and shape the patties in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld nicely and makes for easy meal prep.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese if I don’t have any?

Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute for Parmesan, offering a similar salty, sharp flavor. You can also try Grana Padano or a hard aged Asiago cheese, but avoid fresh cheeses as they won’t melt the same way.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough trying this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe because it truly offers the ultimate blend of comfort and gourmet flavors in one simple dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the juicy chicken, crispy crust, and rich garlic parmesan sauce create a harmony of taste you’ll come back to again and again. So get your ingredients ready and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

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