If you are craving a comforting yet elegant dinner, Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of recipe that delivers big flavor without complicated steps. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crisp, cheesy Parmesan crust, then finished with a rich garlic cream sauce that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a weeknight meal. This dish is satisfying, family-friendly, and pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides.
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Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for a dependable dinner. The chicken stays tender on the inside while developing a golden, crunchy crust on the outside. The creamy garlic sauce is smooth, savory, and full of flavor without being heavy. Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and deeper flavor from the browned bits left behind. It is impressive enough for guests but simple enough for busy evenings.
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If your chicken breasts are thick, slicing them horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook evenly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese. For a lighter sauce, half-and-half or evaporated milk can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. If you prefer extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs work especially well in the crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If needed, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2 – Make the Parmesan Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 3 – Coat the Chicken
Press each chicken breast firmly into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides evenly. Gently shake off any excess.
Step 4 – Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
Step 5 – Start the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 6 – Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 7 – Finish the Sauce
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8 – Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors come together. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
Use medium heat to prevent the Parmesan crust from burning before the chicken cooks through. Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy. Stir the sauce gently once the cheese is added to maintain a smooth texture. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. Always grate Parmesan fresh for the best flavor and consistency.
Flavor Variations
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright finish. Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little heat. Swap Italian seasoning for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herb profile. You can also add baby spinach to the sauce and let it wilt for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a small splash of cream or broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and finished with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This easy one-pan dinner feels elegant and comforting while staying simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to even thickness if needed.
- Mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Press chicken into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Melt butter in the same skillet and add garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
- Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Simmer briefly, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Use medium heat to avoid burning the Parmesan crust. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the smoothest sauce and best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
FAQ About Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay very juicy. Cooking time may increase slightly depending on thickness.
Can this be baked instead of pan-fried?
You can bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once. Finish the sauce on the stovetop separately and spoon it over before serving.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Grainy sauce usually happens if the heat is too high when adding cheese. Keep the heat low and stir gently to maintain a smooth texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The chicken can be cooked ahead and reheated gently in the sauce. For best texture, prepare the sauce fresh or reheat slowly with added liquid.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The chicken freezes well on its own, but cream sauces can change texture when frozen. For best results, freeze the chicken without the sauce and make the sauce fresh.
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce is a comforting, reliable recipe that feels special without requiring extra effort. With its crispy coating, rich sauce, and versatile serving options, it is the kind of meal that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.