This Was So Delicious, It’s Hard to Believe It Only Takes 5 Ingredients
Some recipes taste like they took hours of effort — layers of flavor, perfect texture, that “how did you make this?” reaction — yet secretly rely on just a handful of simple ingredients. There’s something magical about transforming five everyday items into a dessert (or snack) so delicious that people assume it must be complicated.
This recipe is exactly that kind of magic.
Today, we’re making a 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake — a rich, savory, comforting dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. No complicated prep. No fancy techniques. Just five core ingredients and one baking dish.
The result? Juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and bold flavor that tastes like something from a restaurant kitchen.
Let’s dive into the full recipe, tips, variations, and everything you need to make it perfect.
5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Servings:
4 servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30–35 minutes
Total Time:
About 45 minutes
Ingredients
You only need five simple ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt & black pepper (combined as seasoning)
That’s it. Five ingredients. No flour. No breadcrumbs. No complicated sauce.
Why These 5 Ingredients Work
Chicken Breasts
Lean, tender, and perfect for absorbing flavor. Baking keeps them juicy when coated properly.
Mayonnaise (or Greek Yogurt)
This is the secret weapon. It locks in moisture and creates a creamy, rich texture. It also helps the Parmesan stick and form a golden crust.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and depth. When baked, it creates a lightly crisp top layer.
Garlic
Essential for bold flavor. Fresh garlic works best.
Salt & Pepper
Simple seasoning that enhances everything.
When combined, these ingredients create a creamy, cheesy topping that keeps the chicken incredibly tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the topping adhere better.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can lightly pound them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Place them in a single layer in the baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Topping
In a medium bowl, mix:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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3 cloves minced garlic
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Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and fully combined.
The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Step 4: Spread Over Chicken
Evenly divide the mixture over each chicken breast.
Use the back of a spoon to spread it generously across the top.
Make sure each piece is fully covered — this locks in moisture.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.
The chicken is done when:
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Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
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The top is golden and slightly bubbly
If you want a deeper golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end — but watch carefully to prevent burning.
The Result
What comes out of the oven is incredible:
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Juicy, tender chicken
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Creamy, cheesy topping
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Slightly crisp golden surface
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Rich garlic aroma
It tastes like it required a complicated cream sauce — but it didn’t.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
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Steamed broccoli
-
Roasted asparagus
-
Garlic green beans
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Mashed potatoes
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Rice
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Buttered pasta
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Side salad
The creamy topping doubles as a sauce, so spoon extra from the pan over your sides.
Flavor Variations (Still 5 Ingredients!)
You can easily customize while keeping it simple.
1. Spicy Version
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Herb Version
Add dried Italian seasoning or fresh chopped parsley.
3. Lemon Garlic
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for brightness.
4. Smoky Twist
Add a pinch of smoked paprika.
5. Cheesy Upgrade
Replace half the Parmesan with shredded mozzarella.
Why It Tastes So Good
Here’s the science behind the deliciousness:
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Fat from mayonnaise keeps chicken moist.
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Parmesan melts and creates umami depth.
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Garlic intensifies under heat.
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Salt enhances flavor perception.
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Oven heat caramelizes the top layer.
The simplicity allows each ingredient to shine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking
Use a thermometer. Dry chicken happens when it exceeds 165°F.
Too Much Salt
Parmesan is already salty — taste before adding extra.
Using Pre-Grated Parmesan
Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Microwave works, but oven preserves texture better.
Freezing:
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make It a Complete Meal
To turn this into a full dinner in one pan:
Add vegetables around the chicken before baking:
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Cherry tomatoes
-
Zucchini slices
-
Broccoli florets
They’ll roast in the flavorful juices.
Can You Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes.
Boneless thighs work beautifully and may even be juicier.
Adjust cook time to 35–40 minutes.
Lighter Option
Swap mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt.
You’ll get:
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More protein
-
Fewer calories
-
Slightly tangier flavor
Still delicious.
Why 5-Ingredient Recipes Matter
Simple recipes reduce decision fatigue.
They:
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Save time
-
Save money
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Reduce cleanup
-
Minimize stress
And sometimes, less truly is more.
This dish proves you don’t need 20 ingredients for deep flavor.
Perfect Occasions for This Recipe
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Busy weeknights
-
Meal prep
-
Family dinners
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Potluck contribution
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Beginner cooks
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Low-effort entertaining
It feels special but requires minimal work.
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
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350–400 calories
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28g protein
-
28g fat
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2g carbs
Values vary depending on mayo or yogurt choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Can I use garlic powder?
Yes. Substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder for fresh garlic.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free Parmesan alternative and dairy-free mayo.
The Secret to Impressing Guests
Garnish before serving:
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Fresh parsley
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Extra grated Parmesan
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Cracked black pepper
Presentation elevates simplicity.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the most surprising meals are the simplest ones. This 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake tastes indulgent, comforting, and layered — yet requires almost no effort.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll memorize after making once.
It’s the kind of recipe people ask for.
And it’s the kind of recipe that proves delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
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