Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a golden, cheesy crust that’s crisp on the outside yet tender inside. The rich and velvety garlic cream sauce takes it over the top, adding a luxurious finish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish delivers bold flavor, comforting textures, and a touch of elegance all in one skillet.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in the third.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and pounded thin for even cooking.
Parmesan cheese (grated) – Mixed into the coating for nutty, cheesy flavor.
Breadcrumbs (panko preferred) – Add crunch to the chicken crust.
Flour – Helps the coating stick.
Eggs – Bind the crust to the chicken.
Garlic powder – Infuses flavor into the crust.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Olive oil and butter – Used for pan-frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Heavy cream – Forms the base of the garlic sauce.
Garlic (fresh, minced) – The star of the sauce, adding aromatic depth.
Chicken broth – Lightens the sauce and adds savory flavor.
Parmesan cheese (extra) – Stirred into the sauce for creaminess.
Fresh parsley – Garnish that adds color and freshness.
Directions
Start by pounding chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Prepare a dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in the third. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Pan-fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and keep warm.
For the sauce, reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and simmer until slightly thickened. Taste and season as needed.
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and cooking requires 25 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Herb-Crusted Version – Add dried basil, oregano, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
Spicy Kick – Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne with the sauce.
Mushroom Garlic Sauce – Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
Lemon Garlic Sauce – Stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade – Add mozzarella or provolone on top before serving.
Low-Carb Option – Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and flavors best compared to pre-shredded.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well but may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
Yes, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner.
Why is my coating falling off?
Ensure chicken is patted dry and dredged in flour before dipping in egg.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce separately and reheat gently before serving.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, fettuccine, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are excellent options.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just fry the chicken in batches and double the sauce.
Conclusion
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a comforting yet elegant dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. Easy enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. With endless customization options, it’s a dinner that will quickly become a household favorite.
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