📖 Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). This is key to getting that lovely golden crust and ensuring everything cooks evenly. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. You don’t want anything sticking!
2. Now for the star of the show: the chicken. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a nicer sear if you decide to pan-fry them beforehand (which isn't strictly necessary for this bake, but adds extra flavor!). Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. If they’re very thick, you might want to pound them gently to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet or a heavy pan. This ensures uniform cooking.
3. Time to season! In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This is your flavor bomb, so make sure everything is mixed thoroughly. It should smell absolutely divine.
4. Place the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the garlic-herb butter mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure they’re all coated generously. This is where a lot of the magic happens!
5. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. Don't be shy here; that cheesy goodness is what makes this bake so special. Then, pour the heavy cream around the chicken in the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a wonderfully rich sauce as it bakes.
6. Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven's temperament. What you're looking for is an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy.
7. For that irresistible golden-brown finish, you can switch your oven to broiler mode for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it during this step, as things can go from golden to burnt in a flash! You want that cheese to be bubbly and slightly caramelized, not charred.
8. Once it’s done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if you have some handy. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a lovely freshness to the dish.
9. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is super moist and flavorful. Trust me, this resting period is crucial for tender chicken. Serve warm and watch it disappear!