Garlic Herb Crusted Chicken Melt
Looking for a dinner that’s hearty, protein-packed, and unapologetically delicious—without relying on breadcrumbs or carbs? This Garlic Herb Crusted Chicken Melt is your dream come true. Topped with a creamy, cheesy garlic-Parmesan crust and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this low-carb chicken dish offers gourmet vibes with minimal effort.
Whether you’re following keto, gluten-free, or simply trying to eat more whole foods without sacrificing flavor, this chicken recipe is a weeknight winner. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes!
Who Is This Recipe Perfect For?
This dish is ideal for:
Low-carb and keto lifestyle followers
Busy home cooks who want big flavor with little fuss
Cheese lovers (hello, mozzarella and Parmesan!)
Anyone tired of bland, boring chicken breasts
Meal preppers who want reheatable protein options for the week
If you’re someone who often stares at raw chicken and wonders what exciting thing to do with it—this is your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High in Protein: Each serving packs 38g of muscle-fueling goodness.
Ultra-Low Carb: Just 2g net carbs per serving.
Golden, Bubbling Cheese: A melty, crusted top that adds rich, savory flavor.
Fast & Oven-Friendly: From stovetop sear to oven-baked finish in about 30 minutes.
Versatile Sides: Pairs beautifully with veggies, greens, or light salads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🐔 Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
🧀 Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Crust:
½ cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for a tangy twist)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic paste (or finely minced garlic)
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Cutting board and chef’s knife
Meat mallet (for pounding chicken evenly)
Oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
Mixing bowl
Spatula or spoon
Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
Broiler (optional, for finishing the crust)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔪 1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (around 1 inch). This ensures even cooking.
Pat dry with paper towels for maximum browning.
Rub both sides of each breast with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
🔥 2. Sear for Flavor
Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. Don’t fully cook the chicken—this step is all about flavor.
🧄 3. Make the Garlic Herb Crust
While the chicken sears, mix together the crust topping:
Mayonnaise (or sour cream)
Parmesan and mozzarella
Garlic, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley
🧀 4. Top and Bake
Turn off the heat and smear the garlic-cheese mixture evenly over each seared breast.
Transfer skillet to the oven or place chicken in a baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
🔥 5. Optional: Broil for Crispy Topping
Want that golden-brown, bubbly finish?
Broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
⏱️ 6. Let Rest and Serve
Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
Sprinkle with extra parsley for a pop of freshness.
Serve with your favorite low-carb sides!
Recipe Tips & Variations
🧂 Customize the Seasoning
Feel free to tweak the spice rub! Add chili flakes for heat or lemon zest for brightness.
🧀 Crust Alternatives
Use sour cream instead of mayo for more tang.
Mix in crushed pork rinds or almond flour for added texture (still low-carb!).
🥬 Side Dish Pairings
This rich, cheesy chicken pairs well with:
Garlicky sautéed spinach
Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
Cauliflower mash or “rice”
Simple side salad with vinaigrette for balance
🥓 Bonus Upgrade: Add Bacon
Crumble cooked bacon over the crust before baking for a smoky, indulgent twist.
Storage & Meal Prep
📦 Leftovers:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to retain texture
Avoid microwaving, as the cheese topping can become rubbery
❄️ Freezing:
You can freeze the baked chicken (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months.
Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F until hot and bubbling.
Suggested Drink Pairings
Dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slices
Light beer if not strict keto
Iced herbal tea (mint or hibiscus works well)
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can sear and assemble the chicken earlier in the day, then bake when ready to serve. Ideal for prepping dinner in advance.
❓ Is mayonnaise necessary?
Not necessarily. Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a mix of both make great substitutes. Mayo gives it richness, while sour cream offers tang.
❓ What type of skillet works best?
A cast iron skillet is perfect because it sears well and goes straight from stovetop to oven. If unavailable, any oven-safe skillet or baking dish works.
❓ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time—boneless, skinless thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
❓ Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 2g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into most low-carb or ketogenic meal plans.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
This Garlic Herb Crusted Chicken Melt is a revelation—simple ingredients, fast preparation, and restaurant-worthy results. It’s the kind of recipe you can put on repeat and never get bored of, especially when you switch up the herbs or sides.
Ready to upgrade your chicken game? Give this recipe a try tonight and experience how easy low-carb comfort food can be.
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