Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Bring the flavors of your favorite steakhouse right to your kitchen with this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Each juicy chicken breast is first marinated for extra tenderness then grilled and finished with a tangy ranch spread and a crispy creamy parmesan topping. It is all broiled until golden and bubbling so every bite delivers pure comfort. My family went back for seconds the very first time I made this at home and it is now a weeknight request.

I was amazed how this tastes just like the steakhouse version I love but homemade always feels extra special My only regret is not doubling the batch the first time

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: pick even thickness for even cooking pounding helps them cook evenly
• Grated Parmesan cheese: try to use fresh grated for the best melt and flavor
• Breadcrumbs: panko is ideal for extra crunch but any style works choose plain if you want to control salt
• Melted butter: use unsalted for best results and rich flavor
• Shredded provolone: look for a quality block cheese and shred it yourself for better melt
• Olive oil: pick a decent extra virgin for a softer flavor in the marinade
• Bottled ranch dressing: if you have time homemade ranch takes it over the top
• Worcestershire sauce: adds deep umami go for Lea Perrins if you can
• Vinegar: adds brightness white or apple cider both work
• Lemon juice: fresh squeezed really perks up the marinade
• Minced garlic: fresh garlic gives the punchiest kick
• Pepper: freshly ground for biggest flavor burst
• Garlic salt: enhances the crumb topping and gives depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Pour olive oil ranch dressing Worcestershire sauce vinegar lemon juice garlic and pepper over chicken in a large zip-top bag or baking dish Cover and chill for a minimum of two hours or overnight for best flavor marinating tenderizes and infuses richness

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat grill to medium high oil the grates Remove chicken from marinade let excess drip off Grill chicken for six to seven minutes per side until fully cooked through and deeply charred outside Let rest so juices in the chicken stay put

Prepare Ranch Spread:

While chicken cooks stir together grated Parmesan and ranch dressing until smooth You want a thick creamy consistency Set aside at room temperature

Prepare Parmesan Crumb Topping:

Mix panko garlic salt shredded Parmesan and melted butter in a bowl Toss until buttery crumbs evenly coat the cheese and bread If needed add another tablespoon of butter so every piece is moistened

Assembly and Broil:

Move grilled chicken to an oven safe casserole Spread two heaping tablespoons ranch mixture over each piece Top with a mound of shredded provolone then pile on crumb topping Press so it sticks and fully covers the cheese Place under broiler center rack until cheese bubbles and the crumb topping goes light golden brown Watch closely this takes three to five minutes

Serve:

Let chicken cool for five minutes before plating This helps toppings stay put Slice and serve with any pan juices spooned over

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My favorite part is the extra thick crumb topping A good friend once tried to sneak an edge from my plate because the crispy layer is so addictive I always double the crumb now for everyone

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for three to four days For the best reheating use the oven or toaster oven to restore the crispy crumb and melty cheese Microwave works in a pinch but the crumb may go soft For longer storage wrap individual portions tightly and freeze up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap provolone for mozzarella Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different cheese pull Use regular breadcrumbs if you do not have panko Gluten free panko performs beautifully If you prefer homemade ranch or a lower fat version swap in Greek yogurt for some of the dressing

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken with creamy mashed potatoes a Caesar salad or oven roasted veggies It also works great sliced over a crisp green salad for lunch The cheese and crumb topping turn even plain steamed broccoli into something special

Cultural Context

This recipe is a nod to the famous steakhouse chicken dish with its roots in American comfort food traditions The bold topping and creamy ranch elevate everyday chicken to celebration status turning a mainstay protein into something craveable

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Marinating the chicken for at least two hours helps lock in moisture and infuse flavor. Avoid overcooking when grilling; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F until fully cooked. Finish under the broiler with the toppings for a crispy crust.

→ What type of breadcrumbs work best for the topping?

Panko breadcrumbs offer the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can be used as an alternative.

→ Is there a substitute for provolone cheese?

Mozzarella or Swiss cheese both melt well and provide similar creaminess if you don’t have provolone on hand.

→ How can I add extra flavor?

Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika into the crumb topping before broiling.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and assemble the toppings in advance. Grill and broil just before serving for the best texture.