If you’re looking for the kind of meal that instantly perks up a weeknight or impresses at a cozy dinner with friends, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is about to become your new go-to. Each bites gives you a crispy, golden crust with juicy chicken inside, all topped with a velvety, garlicky sauce that’s positively spoon-worthy. Whether you serve it over dreamy mashed potatoes or a tangle of pasta, this dish is pure comfort and flavor packed into every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each one bringing its own magic to the table. From the bold cheesy crust to the silky sauce, these components work together for maximum flavor and the perfect texture.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfect for holding that delicious crust.
- All-purpose flour: Provides an even coating for the chicken so everything sticks beautifully.
- Eggs: Helps the Parmesan mixture cling to each piece of chicken for a crisp finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show, creating incredible flavor and that irresistible golden crust (and sauce!).
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Adds a herby crunch and balances the cheese.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken crust with savory notes from the inside out.
- Salt: Brings every flavor to life and seasons the crust perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a tiny kick that brightens the whole dish.
- Olive oil: Gives you that crispy, golden exterior while keeping the chicken moist.
- Butter: Enriches the sauce and helps sauté the garlic for deeper flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic makes that creamy sauce sing.
- Heavy cream: The backbone of a luscious, rich sauce that coats every bite.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth, balance, and a bit of savoriness to the sauce.
- Extra Parmesan (for the sauce): Doubles down on cheesy goodness and thickens the sauce.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with a touch of herby aroma.
- Chopped parsley: The perfect fresh, green finish for a little color and brightness.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Give them a gentle pounding with a meat mallet until they’re of even thickness. This not only helps them cook uniformly, but also keeps the chicken beautifully moist.
Step 2: Set Up Dredging Stations
To get that crispy, cheesy crust just right, arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and a third with a mixture of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This assembly line ensures every piece of chicken is perfectly prepped for its flavorful outer layer.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
First, dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the eggs, letting the excess drip off. Then—this is the best part—press the chicken into the Parmesan mixture, making sure every nook is covered with all that cheesy, herby goodness.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a crust that’s deeply golden and crisp, while the chicken cooks through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Without cleaning the skillet (hello, flavor!), melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until just fragrant—about 1–2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Add the extra Parmesan and Italian seasoning, then simmer the sauce for 4–5 minutes until it’s just thick enough to coat a spoon.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the sauce and spooning more over the top. Let everything bubble together for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley right before serving for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
Sprinkle a flurry of freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re feeling extra, a tiny hill of shaved Parmesan on each plate takes this dish over the top. Even a squeeze of lemon can add a bright counterpoint to the richness.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce loves to be surrounded by classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a twirl of pasta are perfect for soaking up that sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccolini, carrots, or even garlicky green beans, complete the plate with gorgeous color and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve each chicken breast sliced diagonally on a bed of pasta or risotto, with the sauce spooned on top and around. Try layering the chicken and sauce into a toasted sandwich roll for a decadent lunch, or slice the chicken onto a fresh arugula salad with a drizzle of the creamy sauce as a warm dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, simply let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can be stored in a separate container or with the chicken for up to 3 days—just know the crust may soften a touch, but the flavor remains incredible.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, but some of the crispy texture might be lost. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Wrap the chicken tightly and use freezer-safe bags. The sauce can be frozen in a small container. Thaw both overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-pan taste, warm the chicken gently in a 350°F oven until hot (cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out). Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, whisking often and adding a splash of broth or cream to smooth it back out. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully with the same crust and sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
How do I make this gluten-free?
It’s easy—simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the creamy garlic sauce a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and warm it gently while whisking before serving. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a slightly less rich sauce. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still completely delicious on your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
What’s the best way to get an extra crispy crust?
For maximum crunch, make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. Fry in batches if needed so you don’t overcrowd the pan. And always use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-grated can have coating agents that keep it from turning perfectly crisp and golden.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those dishes that never fails to get rave reviews—all thanks to a handful of simple ingredients and a showstopping creamy sauce. Seriously, give the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns regular status at your table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a creamy garlic sauce that is sure to impress. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and served with a rich and flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Coat the chicken: Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and a Parmesan mixture. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the Parmesan mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and cook briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
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