Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is pure comfort on a plate. The crunchy Parmesan coating brings a golden, cheesy crust, while the rich, velvety garlic cream sauce takes every bite to the next level.
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal, yet fancy enough for guests. Whether you love a good crispy chicken recipe or you’re a fan of homemade garlic sauce, this one’s got it all. Let’s dive in and bring this flavorful meal to life!
Introduction
Why Everyone Loves Parmesan Crusted Chicken
What’s not to love about golden crusted chicken? That first bite—crunchy, cheesy, and full of flavor—hooks you instantly. But then comes the creamy, garlicky goodness, making it even better! This dish is the perfect balance of texture and taste, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you’re craving a quick and easy chicken dinner idea, this one checks all the boxes. It’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together in no time. Plus, it’s versatile! Serve it over pasta, pair it with roasted veggies, or keep it light with a fresh salad.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—this Parmesan crusted chicken is pure comfort! The golden, cheesy crust gives the perfect crunch, while the rich garlic cream sauce takes every bite to the next level. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fancy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness (about ½ inch or 1.25 cm). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2️⃣ Coat the Chicken: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat evenly in the Parmesan mixture.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until thick and creamy.
5️⃣ Serve: Place the crispy chicken on a plate and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
1️⃣ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt the same way and won’t give you that perfect crispy crust. Grate it fresh for the best texture and flavor!
2️⃣ Don’t Skip the Resting Time – After coating the chicken, let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the crust stick better and prevents it from falling off.
3️⃣ Low and Slow for the Sauce – When making the garlic cream sauce, keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir continuously for a smooth, velvety texture!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
The Secret to the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken
The key? Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese! Pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t melt the same way, and that perfect crispiness depends on real Parmesan blending with the breadcrumbs.
Another trick? Cooking it the right way. Whether you pan-fry it for extra crunch or bake it for a healthier option, getting that crispy, golden crust is a must.
And let’s talk about that creamy garlic sauce! It’s buttery, rich, and infused with the deep, aromatic flavor of sautéed garlic. Trust me, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.
Ready to make your new favorite chicken dish? Let’s break it down step by step!
Ingredients and Their Roles
Great food starts with great ingredients. Each one in this recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and creamy goodness. Let’s break it down!
Main Components
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice. They cook fast and stay juicy when done right. Pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook evenly.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes all the difference. It melts into the crust, adding rich, nutty flavor. Pre-shredded cheese won’t give you the same crispiness.
Breadcrumbs
They give the crust that perfect crunch. Panko breadcrumbs make it extra crispy, while regular ones create a finer texture. Both work, but panko wins for crunch!
Eggs
Eggs help the crust stick to the chicken. Without them, the coating won’t hold. Whisk them well to create a smooth layer.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds bold, savory flavor. It goes into both the sauce and the crust. If you love garlic, feel free to add more!
Heavy Cream
This makes the garlic cream sauce smooth and rich. If you want a lighter version, try half-and-half or a milk-and-butter mix.
Butter and Olive Oil
A mix of both gives the best results. Butter adds flavor, while olive oil keeps the crust from burning. Use both for a golden, crispy finish.
Seasonings
Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning bring out all the flavors. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
Why These Ingredients Work Together
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—that’s what you get when these ingredients come together. The Parmesan crust locks in the juiciness of the chicken. The garlic sauce adds a smooth, creamy contrast. Together, they make a dish that’s both crunchy and comforting.
Want to make sure you’re using the best Parmesan cheese? Check out this guide on choosing the best Parmesan cheese. Fresh is always better!
Now that you’ve got the ingredients, let’s move on to making the perfect crispy coating!
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Time to cook! Follow these simple steps to get that crispy, cheesy crust and creamy, garlicky sauce.
Preparing the Chicken
- Flatten the Chicken – Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet. Pound until even in thickness. This helps it cook evenly.
- Season Well – Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Creating the Parmesan Crust
- Mix the Coating – In a bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a little more seasoning.
- Beat the Eggs – In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken – First, dip the chicken in the eggs. Let any excess drip off. Then, press it into the Parmesan mixture. Make sure it sticks well.
Cooking the Chicken
Pan-Frying Method (Extra Crispy!)
- Heat the Pan – Use butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken – Place the coated chicken in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Flip only once.
- Check for Doneness – The crust should be golden brown. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C).
Baking Method (Healthier Option!)
- Preheat the Oven – Set it to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a Baking Sheet – Line it with parchment paper. Lightly grease with olive oil.
- Bake the Chicken – Place coated chicken on the sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic – In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir often.
- Add the Cream – Pour in heavy cream slowly. Stir to combine.
- Simmer and Thicken – Let it cook for 3-4 minutes on low heat. Stir until thick and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning – Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Serve the Chicken – Place crispy Parmesan crusted chicken on a plate.
- Drizzle with Sauce – Pour warm garlic cream sauce over the top.
- Garnish – Add fresh parsley or extra cheese for extra flavor.
That’s it! Now you have the perfect crunchy, creamy dish. Want to know more about making a smooth sauce? Check out this guide on creamy sauces.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Now that your Parmesan crusted chicken is ready, what should you serve with it? The right side dish makes it even better. Here are some tasty ideas!
Best Side Dishes
Pasta
Nothing beats creamy sauce with pasta. Try it with:
- Fettuccine – Its wide shape holds the sauce well.
- Angel hair – Light and quick to cook.
- Penne – Perfect for soaking up sauce.
Vegetables
A fresh, colorful side makes this dish shine. Great choices include:
- Steamed broccoli – Light and healthy.
- Roasted asparagus – Crispy and full of flavor.
- Garlic green beans – A tasty match for the creamy sauce.
Starches
Want something hearty? These sides work well:
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy and buttery.
- Garlic bread – Crunchy and perfect for dipping.
- Rice – Simple, but soaks up sauce beautifully.
Perfect Pairings
Fresh Salad
A crisp salad balances the richness of the dish. Try:
- Caesar salad – Crunchy with a cheesy kick.
- Garden salad – Light and refreshing.
Beverages
A refreshing drink cleanses the palate. Consider:
- Lemonade – A bright, zesty contrast.
- Iced tea – Light and smooth.
Mix and match your sides for a perfect meal. Looking for tips on picking quality Parmesan cheese? Check out this guide on choosing the best Parmesan cheese. Fresh cheese makes all the difference!
Variations and Dietary Modifications
Want to change things up? No problem! Here are some easy ways to adjust this crispy chicken recipe to fit your needs.
Healthier Options
Bake Instead of Fry
Skip the oil and fry pan. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Flip once for even cooking. It’s lighter but still crispy.
Use Less Cream
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk-and-butter mix. The sauce stays creamy but has fewer calories.
Gluten-Free Choices
Try Almond Flour
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a crispy, low-carb crust. It adds a nutty flavor, too!
Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
Find them at most grocery stores. They work just like regular ones.
Dairy-Free Substitutes
Skip the Cheese
Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy.
Choose a Dairy-Free Cream
Try coconut cream or cashew cream. They make the sauce rich and smooth.
Flavor Boosters
Add Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of basil, rosemary, or parsley makes the dish pop.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Try Lemon
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
There you have it—lots of ways to make this Parmesan crusted chicken your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Here are some quick answers!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier but take longer to cook. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) inside.
How do I keep the crust from falling off?
Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken. Let it rest for a few minutes before cooking. Also, avoid flipping too much.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat. Stir well to keep it smooth.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half, milk with a little butter, or coconut cream. The sauce will still be creamy!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy.
This dish is easy to make and even easier to enjoy! Now, let’s wrap things up.
Conclusion
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—Parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is a must-try! The golden crust adds crunch, while the garlic cream sauce makes it rich and smooth.
It’s easy to make, and you can tweak it to fit your taste. Bake it, spice it up, or go gluten-free. Serve it with pasta, veggies, or a fresh salad. The options are endless!
Now it’s your turn. Try this simple but delicious dish today. Want to learn more about smooth sauces? Check out this guide on creamy sauces. Enjoy every bite!