If you’re searching for a dish that brings together crispy, flavorful chicken with a rich, dreamy sauce, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is your new go-to. Perfect for quick dinners that feel indulgent, this recipe combines a crispy Parmesan crust with a luscious garlic cream sauce, making every bite a comforting delight. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe is straightforward, versatile, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses easily available pantry staples that pack big flavors without fuss.
Crispy Texture: The golden Parmesan crust offers a wonderful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Rich and Flavorful: The garlic sauce adds a luscious, silky finish that elevates the entire dish.
Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a versatile dinner choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a vital role, whether creating the crispy coating or the smooth sauce that ties everything together in perfect harmony.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, they’re the tender protein foundation of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and to create that irresistibly crispy crust.
Bread Crumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or regular for a classic texture.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch that flavors the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the garlic sauce for a velvety finish.
Butter: Used to sauté the chicken and build the sauce’s base flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the crust and adds a subtle fruity note.
Fresh Parsley: Finishing touch that adds color and freshness to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.

Variations for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to tweak it to match your pantry, dietary preferences, or palate. It’s easy to make it your own while keeping the heart of the dish intact.

Herb Infusion: Add rosemary, thyme, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for extra herbal aroma.
Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat in the crust or sauce.
Dairy-Free Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make a creamy, dairy-free garlic sauce.
Protein Swap: Use tender chicken thighs or even turkey cutlets instead of chicken breasts for different textures.
Cheese Mix: Incorporate Pecorino Romano or Asiago with Parmesan for a more complex crust flavor.

Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures the coating sticks well and the meat stays juicy.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Crust

In a shallow dish, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, pressing gently to form an even crust that will crisp up beautifully when cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crusted chicken breasts carefully and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly to scrape up any browned bits from the pan, and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let them warm together for a minute, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Dry Your Chicken Thoroughly: Patting the chicken dry before coating ensures a crispier crust.
Fresh Parmesan Is Key: Pre-grated won’t crisp as well or deliver the same flavor intensity.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches keeps the crust from steaming and maintains crunch.
Use Medium Heat: Allows the crust to brown nicely while cooking the chicken evenly without burning.
Let the Sauce Thicken Gently: Slow simmer prevents curdling and keeps the sauce silky smooth.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or finely chopped chives add a pop of green freshness that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can also enhance taste and texture.

Side Dishes

This crispy, creamy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Roasted vegetables and a side of buttery pasta with lemon zest also complement the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced on a bed of sautéed spinach with a drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce, or plate alongside a colorful quinoa salad to add texture and nutrition. For a rustic touch, serve in shallow bowls with extra sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for best results. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. The creamy garlic sauce freezes well in small airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat chicken gently in a low oven (about 325°F) or covered skillet to maintain the crispy crust. Warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until hot and smooth, then combine before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier, richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the crust crispy and delicious.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a bit longer uncovered to reduce and thicken it naturally, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water while heating.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

You can prep the breaded chicken in advance and refrigerate it before cooking. The sauce is best made fresh but can also be reheated gently.

What can I serve with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Consider serving with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, steamed asparagus, or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce strikes the perfect balance between easy-to-make and gourmet-tasting. Its crunchy crust paired with that silky garlic sauce creates a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a deliciously satisfying dinner that feels special every single time.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Print Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and indulgent dinner recipe featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, pan-cooked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious, silky garlic cream sauce. Ideal for family meals or impressing guests, this dish combines simple pantry ingredients with rich flavors and a wonderful textural contrast between the crunchy crust and smooth sauce.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup bread crumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter (additional, if needed)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper to help the coating stick and keep the meat juicy.
Make the Parmesan Crust: In a shallow dish, mix together freshly grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in this mixture, pressing gently to form an even, compact crust that will crisp up during cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the crusted chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let everything warm together for about a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to achieve a crispier crust.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and crispiness.
Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which prevents crisping.
Maintain medium heat to brown the crust evenly without burning.
Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken without curdling, keeping it smooth.
Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, creamy garlic sauce, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, crispy chicken, garlic cream sauce