You know those days when the craving for something savory and satisfying just won’t quit? That’s when I turn to this Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken.
It’s like an old friend you can count on—reliable and always bringing something special to the table. The aroma alone, with garlic wafting through the kitchen, is enough to make you smile (or maybe drool a little).
Sometimes I think of it as the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening. Not to get too poetic, but the way the parmesan crisps up is kind of like watching the sunset—simple, yet breathtaking.
Oh, and did I mention it’s a breeze to make? Perfect for those nights when time feels like it’s slipping through your fingers faster than a trending TikTok video.
Steps
- Brine the chicken breasts in a mixture of warm water and kosher salt for 15 minutes or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator. After brining, rinse with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together white wine, melted butter, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. Reserve 1 tablespoon of this mixture in a separate small bowl and set aside.
- Add the garlic cloves to the larger bowl and toss them in the butter mixture until evenly coated. Pour this garlic and butter mixture into the baking dish with the chicken, ensuring the garlic is nestled around the chicken and not on top.
- Drizzle the reserved tablespoon of butter mixture over the chicken breasts and brush to coat evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160-170°F. Optionally, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes for a browned top, keeping an eye on the garlic to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve the chicken immediately, spooning the extra lemon-butter sauce over the top and adding any garnishes you prefer.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 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 leaves
- 40 whole cloves garlic
- Kosher salt
- Freshly-cracked black pepper
- Finely-chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Lemon slices
FAQ
- Can I use pre-peeled garlic for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Using pre-peeled garlic can save you time and make the preparation process easier without compromising the dish’s flavor.
- What can I serve with Garlic Lovers’ Baked Chicken?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, quinoa, potatoes, or even crusty bread. You can also add a side of your favorite salad or vegetables like roasted asparagus.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning during baking?
- To avoid burning, make sure the garlic cloves are nestled around the chicken and not directly on top. Keep an eye on the cloves while baking, and if they start to brown too much, you can gently turn them over.
- Can I make the sauce creamier?
- Yes, to make the sauce creamier, you can remove the chicken after baking and stir in half a cup of heavy cream into the sauce. This addition will make the sauce rich and decadent.
- Is it necessary to brine the chicken?
- Brining the chicken is recommended as it helps keep the breasts juicy and tender during baking. However, if your chicken is already pre-brined in a sodium solution, you can skip this step.
Tips
- Brine the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution before baking to ensure they remain tender and juicy. If your chicken comes pre-brined, you can skip this step.
- Arrange the garlic cloves around the chicken, rather than on top, in the baking dish. This prevents them from burning during roasting and ensures they cook evenly.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in half a cup of heavy cream after removing the chicken from the dish, creating a rich and decadent finish.
- Consider finishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice and optional toppings like parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavors.
Equipment
- Large Baking Dish
- Cooking Thermometer
