Ah, the simple joys of cooking—a dance in the kitchen that delights and surprises. Imagine this:
a dish so easy yet so flavorful, it’ll have everyone at the table singing its praises. This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is like a comforting hug on a plate, with garlic that whispers sweet nothings and Parmesan that sings a cheesy lullaby.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is bound to become your new obsession.
Steps
- Begin by brining the chicken breasts in a mixture of warm water and kosher salt for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to six hours. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together white wine, melted butter, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. Set aside one tablespoon of the mixture in a small bowl for later use.
- Toss the garlic cloves in the large bowl with the butter mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Pour this garlic-butter mixture into the baking dish with the chicken, spreading the garlic around the chicken.
- Use the reserved tablespoon of butter mixture to brush the chicken breasts evenly. Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 160-170°F. For a browned top, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve the chicken immediately, drizzling the lemon-butter sauce over the top and adding optional garnishes like fresh parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness and brined in saltwater
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 40 whole garlic cloves
- Kosher salt
- Freshly-cracked black pepper
- Optional: finely-chopped fresh parsley, freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon slices
FAQ
- How should I prepare the chicken before baking?
- To ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender, it’s recommended to brine the chicken breasts. Simply combine warm water with kosher salt and let the chicken sit in this mixture for about 15 minutes. If your chicken is already pre-brined, you can skip this step.
- What ingredients are needed for the lemon-butter sauce?
- The sauce is made by whisking together dry white wine, melted salted butter, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves. This simple combination enhances the flavor of the chicken and garlic.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning while baking?
- When arranging the garlic in the baking dish, make sure to nestle the cloves around the chicken breasts rather than placing them directly on top. This positioning helps prevent them from burning during the roasting process.
- What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
- This garlic baked chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, quinoa, or crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside your favorite salad or roasted vegetables. For added flavor, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Can I modify the sauce to make it creamier?
- Yes, if you prefer a creamier sauce, you can remove the chicken after baking and stir in half a cup of heavy cream into the sauce. This will give it a richer texture and taste.
Tips
- Brine the chicken in saltwater before baking to ensure it remains juicy and tender, but skip this step if your chicken is pre-brined.
- Arrange the garlic cloves around (not on top of) the chicken in the baking dish to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- For added flavor, consider stirring in half a cup of heavy cream into the sauce after baking for a richer, creamier finish.
- Achieve a crispier top by switching the oven to broil for the last few minutes of cooking, but monitor closely to avoid burning.
Equipment
- Large Baking Dish – If you don’t already own one, a large baking dish is essential for roasting the chicken and garlic together.
- Cooking Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Whisk – For mixing the sauce ingredients together.
- Aluminum Foil – Necessary for loosely covering the baking dish after cooking to let the chicken rest.
