Parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is a crispy, golden-brown chicken dish topped with a rich, velvety garlic sauce. The crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating locks in moisture, while the creamy sauce adds a buttery, garlicky finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & flavorful – A golden Parmesan-breadcrumb crust with juicy chicken.
- Rich & creamy sauce – Made with garlic, butter, and Parmesan.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, ready in 30 minutes.
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
- Restaurant-quality at home – Tastes like a fancy meal, but so easy to make!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Olive oil & butter (for pan-frying)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In separate bowls, place flour and beaten eggs.
Step 2: Bread & Cook the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into egg, and coat in Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add lemon juice for extra brightness.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Extra Crispy – Double-coat the chicken in breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.
- Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Mushroom Garlic Sauce – Add sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.
- Baked Option – Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner—add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water for thickness.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the breaded chicken and sauce separately, then cook when ready to serve.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
Parmesan or Pecorino Romano add the best rich flavor.
Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?
Yes! Just bake or pan-fry and add the garlic sauce on top.
Conclusion
Parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is a crispy, cheesy, and restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served with pasta, veggies, or salad, this meal is sure to impress. Try it tonight for an easy, delicious dinner!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thin fillets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp butter (for frying, adds extra crispiness)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of thyme, oregano, and basil)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Cook the Parmesan Crusted Chicken
-
Set up dredging stations:
- In one shallow bowl, add flour.
- In another, whisk egg.
- In a third bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Coat the chicken:
- Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
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Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it warm through for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
- With pasta: Serve over fettuccine or spaghetti for a restaurant-style dish.
- With mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- With roasted veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Crispier chicken? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Lighter version? Use Greek yogurt or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra flavor? Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.