Name: Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; Cooking spray (for sheet pan); Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Prepare to fall head over heels for the absolute best Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken! Imagine impossibly juicy chicken coated in a golden, crunchy crust that crackles with cheesy, garlicky flavor in each bite-without a drop of deep-frying oil in sight.

This recipe is all about easy weeknight magic. Thanks to a quick homemade breading packed with savory Parmesan, spices, and fresh garlic, you get that iconic fried chicken texture and flavor but made right in your oven. No mess, no fuss, and a lot less oil!

This has been my family's go-to comfort food for years, perfect for crowd-pleasing gatherings, family dinners, or when you crave something completely crave-worthy and satisfying. Trust me: after one taste, you'll never go back to takeout!

Crispy oven-fried chicken with Parmesan and garlic on a platter

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super Crunchy Without Frying: All the crispiness you love, no deep fryer required.
Bold, Irresistible Flavor: Loaded up with fresh garlic, savory Parmesan, and warm spices.
Family Friendly: A guaranteed hit with picky eaters and grown-ups alike.
Simple, No-Mess Prep: Easy breading technique and baked right on a sheet pan.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays crispy for leftovers, sandwiches, or salads!

Key Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts

This is the star of your dish! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and rich flavor, while boneless breasts stay tender with the oven-frying method. Cut breasts in half if they're extra large for even cooking. You can even use chicken drumsticks or tenders-just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan is the key to that savory, cheesy crunch in the breading. It melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty flavor you just can't replicate with the pre-shredded stuff. Pecorino Romano works in a pinch, but Parmesan is classic here!

Panko Breadcrumbs

These Japanese-style breadcrumbs give the crust its uncanny crunch. They're lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. If you don't have panko, use toasted regular breadcrumbs for a slightly softer texture.

Garlic

Fresh garlic brings a punchy, unmistakable aroma and flavor. You'll mix some into the breading for a double dose of garlicky goodness. In a hurry? Substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, though fresh tastes best!

Buttermilk

Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and keeps it extra juicy under that crispy crust. If you don't have buttermilk, make your own by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken cooking process

Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prepare the Oven and Sheet Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment, then top with a wire rack. Lightly coat the rack with cooking spray for easy cleanup and extra crisping.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the top, making sure all pieces are coated. Let it sit while you prep the breading-5 to 10 minutes is all you need for extra tenderness.

Make the Breading

In a shallow dish, combine panko, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil (or melted butter), then toss well with a fork or your hands to create a coarse, evenly-moistened mixture.

Bread the Chicken

Working with one piece at a time, remove chicken from the buttermilk (let the excess drip off) and press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Flip and press again to coat both sides really well. Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared wire rack.

Bake Until Crispy and Golden

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is deeply golden, super crispy, and registers 165°F (74°C) inside. For extra color, broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes at the end-but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest a few minutes for maximum juiciness. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and dig in!

Recipe Variations

Give It a Kick

Add a spicy twist by mixing 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. It's a fantastic way to dial up the flavor for heat lovers!

Gluten-Free Option

Use your favorite gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free. Double-check that your Parmesan is gluten-free, and the results will be just as tasty and crispy.

Dairy-Free Delight

Swap out buttermilk for plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice. Use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast in the breading for cheesy flavor without dairy.

Lemon Herb Upgrade

For fresh, bright notes, add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like basil or oregano) to the breading. It's especially good in summer!

Serving Suggestions

Turn this crispy chicken into a memorable meal by serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a fresh Caesar salad. For a fun twist, slice leftovers and tuck into sandwiches or wraps! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until hot. You can also freeze breaded, baked chicken for up to 2 months-reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken (FAQ)

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: What’s the best way to get the coating to stick to the chicken?

A: Let the excess buttermilk drip off, then press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. A light drizzle of oil in the breadcrumbs also helps them adhere and crisp up beautifully.

Q: Can I prepare the chicken ahead and bake later?

A: Yes! Bread the chicken, place it on the rack, and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking for super-easy meal prep.

There you have it-the ultimate crispy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Oven Fried Chicken! Give it a try next time you crave comfort food with a little extra wow factor. If you love it, please leave a rating or comment and let me know how it turned out for you!