Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Crispy, Creamy Dinner Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and elegance all in one pan. The contrast between the crispy, golden Parmesan coating and the smooth, garlicky cream sauce makes this dish deeply satisfying. The first time I made it, I was surprised by how restaurant-worthy it felt with such simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

This recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you want something special without complicated preparation. The chicken stays juicy on the inside while developing a crisp crust that holds up beautifully under the sauce. I have tested this dish with different cheeses and cream levels, and it consistently turns out rich without being overwhelming. Whether served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, this is a dependable recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best because they cook evenly and provide a lean base for the rich coating and sauce.

Salt
Salt seasons the chicken and enhances the flavor of the Parmesan crust.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds warmth and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.

Garlic powder
Garlic powder seasons the crust evenly without burning during cooking.

Grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan creates a crisp, savory coating that forms the signature crust of this dish.

Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help the crust hold together and add additional crunch.

Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the Parmesan mixture adhere to the chicken.

Olive oil
Olive oil ensures even browning and prevents sticking during pan-frying.

Butter
Butter adds richness and forms the base of the creamy garlic sauce.

Garlic
Fresh garlic provides bold aroma and depth to the sauce.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates a smooth, luxurious sauce that complements the crispy chicken.

Chicken broth
Chicken broth adds savory depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy.

Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning adds herbal complexity and balances the garlic and cream.

Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color to finish the dish.

Directions

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then press firmly into the Parmesan mixture until fully coated.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for five to six minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for two to three minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, cooking gently until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about fifteen minutes, while cooking time is approximately twenty-five minutes. The total time is around forty minutes.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the crust.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is easy to adapt to personal taste. You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat, adjusting cooking time accordingly. For extra flavor, add a small amount of grated Romano cheese to the Parmesan mixture.

If you enjoy a hint of acidity, a splash of lemon juice added to the sauce brightens the overall dish. Mushrooms or spinach can also be incorporated into the sauce for added texture and balance. For a lighter version, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a protein-rich dish that provides essential nutrients from chicken and dairy. While it is higher in fat due to the cheese and cream, it can be balanced by serving with vegetables or whole grains.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Even thickness
Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Golden crust
Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve proper browning.

Gentle sauce heat
Keep the sauce at a low simmer to prevent separation.

Rest before serving
Allow the chicken to rest briefly for maximum juiciness.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, baking works, though the crust may be slightly less crisp.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but the sauce can be prepared in advance.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better, but pre-grated can be used.

How do I keep the crust from falling off?

Press the coating firmly and avoid flipping the chicken too often.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is not gluten-free unless gluten-free breadcrumbs are used.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

A small splash of white wine adds depth if desired.

What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

Basil or thyme are good alternatives.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce if needed?

Simmer gently or add a small amount of grated Parmesan.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a reliable, flavorful recipe that combines crisp texture with rich, comforting sauce. With straightforward preparation and impressive results, it is an excellent choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions. This dish delivers classic flavors that never fail to satisfy.

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