If you’re searching for the ultimate dinner that checks all the boxes—crispy, cheesy, savory, with a sauce so velvety you’ll want to lick the plate—then you need to try Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This restaurant-worthy dish brings together juicy, golden chicken with a dreamy garlic-infused sauce, all in a recipe simple enough for any night of the week. Every bite is pure comfort and flavor, perfect for winning over family, friends, or just treating yourself to something truly special.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is in its handful of kitchen staples that transform into a meal everyone remembers. Each ingredient brings its own magic, from crunchy panko to fragrant garlic. Here’s what you’ll need and why every item matters:

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This is the core of the crust and creamy sauce—freshly grated melts and browns best.
Panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives the coating a light, crisp texture that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth to the crust, echoing the flavors in the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that weaves extra aroma and color into the crunchy exterior.
Salt: Balances and lifts all the savory notes—don’t skip this!
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and contrast to the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Eggs: These bind the crusted coating to the chicken for that perfect crisp bite.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and rich flavor in the pan.
Butter: Makes the creamy garlic sauce silky and luxurious.
Garlic cloves (minced): The star of the sauce, offering sweetness and warmth.
Heavy cream: The base for your luscious sauce—feel free to swap in half-and-half for something lighter.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and brings the sauce together.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): Melts into the sauce for richer, cheesier flavor.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle over the top for color and a fresh herbal lift.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your chicken breasts are a bit thick or uneven, gently pound them to an even thickness—it helps them cook evenly and stays super juicy. Set up two shallow bowls: one for whisked eggs, and another for your panko-Parmesan mixture. Take a moment to mix the panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; these are your flavor builders!

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast first into the eggs, making sure it’s coated on all sides. Next, press the chicken firmly into your Parmesan-panko mixture, patting it down so every inch is covered. This step is key for achieving that incredible golden crust that defines Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Don’t be shy here—a generous coating is what makes it.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the coated chicken into the pan and let it sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Your goal here is to create a beautiful golden crust—not to cook the chicken through. Let the crust get crispy, then get ready to finish it in the oven for ultimate juiciness.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet (carefully!) to your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through—juices should run clear, and a thermometer will read 165°F at the thickest part. This step really locks in the flavors and moisture, giving you chicken that’s both crunchy and tender.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

When the chicken’s done, set it aside on a plate. Using the same skillet—because all those flavorful browned bits make the sauce even better—melt butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it gently sauté for a minute until fragrant, swirling often so it doesn’t burn. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to capture every ounce of flavor. Bring this to a gentle simmer, add your Parmesan, and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, or generously spoon the sauce over each portion. Allow the flavors to mingle over low heat for just a minute or two, then finish with a shower of chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. This is Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce at its finest: beautifully golden, decadently sauced, and ready to wow at the table.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Bring your masterpiece to life with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving. The vibrant green cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color. If you love a bit of zest, a light squeezing of lemon over the top (just before eating) brightens the entire dish and awakens all those bold flavors in your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Side Dishes

This chicken absolutely begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic, catching every drop of sauce on your fork. It’s also fabulous with buttered noodles, a tangle of fettuccine, or even fluffy rice. If you’re craving a lighter meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp salad for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, plate each chicken breast whole on a generous smear of the creamy garlic sauce, then scatter extra Parmesan and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper over the top. For an elegant twist, slice the chicken into thick pieces, fan them out over the sauce, and sprinkle with parsley. Leftovers? Tuck slices into a toasted ciabatta roll alongside a crisp leaf of lettuce and extra sauce for an irresistible lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra? Lucky you! Place fully cooled chicken and sauce in airtight containers. For best texture, keep the chicken and sauce separate. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and look forward to lunch or a quick dinner reheated to creamy, crispy perfection.

Freezing

You can freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce for up to 2 months, though for optimal texture, it’s best to freeze the chicken crusted but unsauced. Wrap chicken individually in foil or plastic, then place in a freezer bag. The sauce can be frozen separately in a lidded container. Thaw both overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For maximum crispness, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until hot throughout. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to bring back its silky consistency. Avoid microwaving both together, as the crust can go soggy and sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and pack plenty of flavor. They’ll need a slightly shorter bake time, so check for doneness around the 12–14 minute mark.

Is it possible to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out regular panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe stays exactly the same, so enjoy without worries!

How can I make the sauce lighter?

For a lighter version of the sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. The sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich but still tastes amazing and coats the chicken deliciously.

What is the best way to pound the chicken breasts evenly?

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, then gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Even thickness ensures everything cooks quickly and stays juicy.

Can I prepare any parts of the recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and keep it chilled on a tray, ready to cook just before serving. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can mince your garlic and prep the other sauce ingredients ahead to save time.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again—a crowd-pleasing classic with a luxurious twist. Whether you’re making dinner for loved ones or just indulging yourself after a long day, it’s guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Give it a try, savor every saucy, cheesy bite, and let it become your new weeknight favorite!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 3 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender, juicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken served with a lusciously creamy garlic sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The crispy coating on the chicken pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful sauce, creating a dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken: Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness if needed. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in egg, then press into the Parmesan mixture to coat both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve: Return chicken to skillet or spoon sauce over chicken. Garnish with parsley if desired.