If you’re searching for a dinner that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This unforgettable dish delivers juicy, golden chicken breasts encased in a crisp, cheesy crust, all smothered with a rich, velvety garlic sauce that will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds. It’s a comfort food hero that’s shockingly simple to prepare yet dramatic and delicious enough for special occasions. Whether it’s an easy weeknight meal or a way to impress guests, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce always delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward, familiar ingredients, but together they create a stunning symphony of crunchy, creamy, savory goodness. Each part of the list plays a role in achieving that perfectly balanced taste and satisfying texture only Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings to the table.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the perfect blank canvas for that golden crust.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for extra flavor; it brings a nutty, savory punch to both the crust and the sauce.
Italian-style breadcrumbs: Adds crunch and subtle herby notes that make the chicken irresistible.
Garlic powder: Infuses the crust with an underlying garlicky depth.
Black pepper: Brings a touch of heat and brightness to balance out the richness.
Eggs: Beaten eggs help the crust stick to the chicken and keep it moist inside.
Olive oil: For pan-frying to golden perfection and imparting elegant flavor.
Butter: Starts off the sauce with a rich flavor base.
Fresh garlic: Minced garlic gets sautéed until fragrant—hello, kitchen aromatherapy!
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
Heavy cream: The secret to a dreamy, luscious sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Salt: Pulls all the flavors into harmony.
Chopped parsley: (Optional, but highly recommended!) Gives a pop of color and a hint of freshness as garnish.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Let’s get started by pounding your chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This step is key for ensuring each piece cooks evenly and stays juicy, not to mention making every bite just the right size. Butterfly the thickest pieces if you need to, and cover them with plastic wrap to avoid a mess.

Step 2: Create the Parmesan Crust Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper. This blend is going to give your chicken its signature crunch and flavor, so mix it well to ensure every bite has a bit of everything.

Step 3: Dip and Dredge

Beat two eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken breast first in the eggs, letting the excess drip off, then firmly press each piece into the Parmesan mixture. The more you press, the more that glorious crust will cling to your chicken!

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Warm up olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully lay the coated chicken breasts in, letting them sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent them loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Don’t wipe out the pan—those leftover bits add flavor! Lower the heat, melt butter, and add the minced garlic, letting it sauté gently until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Whisk in the flour, then slowly add the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Finally, add more Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, letting the sauce cook for an extra 1–2 minutes until silky smooth.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return your crispy chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for a final minute or two—just enough to bring the flavors together. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately to celebrate everything you love about Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation, a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley is the classic touch. You can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a light lemon zest for something a little different. Even a little cracked black pepper goes a long way to make your plate pop!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with almost anything that soaks up that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or classic spaghetti are all winning choices. For a lighter meal, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli work wonders alongside Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken before serving and fanning it out over a bed of pasta for dramatic flair, or pile chicken and sauce onto garlic bread to make a decadent open-faced sandwich. For date night, serve portions in individual skillets to make everyone feel special.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavors deepen overnight—making leftovers nearly as tempting as the original.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken separately from the sauce for best texture. Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly and place in freezer bags. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container. Both will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 10–12 minutes. Warm the sauce separately on the stovetop, adding a dash of cream or milk if needed to loosen it back up. Combine just before serving for fresh-from-the-skillet taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. They’re a little juicier and have a richer flavor—just keep in mind the cooking time may be a few minutes longer because of their thickness.

How do I get the crust to stay on the chicken?

The key is to really press the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken after dipping in egg. Make sure your chicken is patted dry before dredging, and don’t flip too early in the pan—let it get crisp first!

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

You can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. The result is just as crunchy and satisfying.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The creamy garlic sauce for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently, whisking often so it stays smooth and creamy.

What’s the best way to get a super creamy sauce?

Take your time whisking in the broth and cream, and don’t rush the simmer. If your sauce gets a bit too thick, add a splash more broth or cream until you reach your perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce highly enough—it’s the kind of recipe that belongs in every home cook’s back pocket. Every bite offers layers of flavor and comfort, and it’s adaptable enough for family dinners or when you want to make an impression. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic; I guarantee you’ll want to make it again and again!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs (beaten)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the creamy garlic sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and pepper.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, whisk in flour, then slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Finish the dish: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed veggies.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and bake the chicken instead of pan-frying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American