Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This dish brings together juicy chicken with a golden, crisp parmesan coating and blankets it in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that feels totally fancy but comes together quickly, making it perfect for both busy nights and special gatherings. If you love rich flavors and crave comfort food that wows, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is about to become a fast favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce lies in its straightforward ingredients; each one plays a crucial part in building flavor, crunch, or creaminess. Don’t skip or skimp — every item on this list really matters!

• Chicken breasts: Pound to even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For both the crust and the sauce, it adds depth and a nutty, salty bite.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs: Lends a crispy texture and herby notes to the coating.
• Garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor right in the crust — don’t ignore this!
• Black pepper: A hint of spice to perk up the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as the “glue” so that luscious crust sticks to the chicken.
• Olive oil: Gives you that gorgeous brown crust in the skillet.
• Unsalted butter: The beginning of every good sauce; it makes the garlic sing.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Mince them yourself for the boldest, freshest garlic punch.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every bite of chicken.
• Chicken broth: Balances richness and brings a little acidity to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety finish (sub with half-and-half for lighter fare).
• Salt & pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a touch of color and freshness at the finish — don’t skip the garnish!

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Crust

Grab a shallow bowl and toss in the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix it all together with a fork; this is where the first layer of flavor magic forms. Each chicken breast is destined for this delicious sandy beach of cheesy, herby crumbs!

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Dip each pounded chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure the surface is evenly coated. Next, press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb blend, patting gently so the crust sticks all over. This step guarantees every bite will deliver maximum crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, gently lay in the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side—no peeking until you see that glorious golden brown! Once both sides are crispy and the chicken is cooked through, set aside on a warm plate.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet (hello easy cleanup and extra flavor), melt the unsalted butter. Add in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute until it’s deliciously fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for a minute to cook out the rawness. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, letting it come to a gentle simmer, then pour in the heavy cream and more Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens — you’ll see it come together in a luscious, creamy blanket.

Step 5: Marry the Chicken and Sauce

Slip the crispy chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the hot sauce all over. Let them bathe in the creamy garlic goodness for another minute, ensuring every piece is coated and piping hot. Right before serving, shower with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Make your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce truly pop with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley, an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a quick twist of cracked black pepper. These little touches not only look beautiful but add bursts of flavor right on top.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely sings alongside a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, a tangle of buttery pasta, or a fluffy mound of steamed rice. The sauce loves to mingle and soak in! For a lighter touch, try sauteed green beans, garlicky asparagus, or a simple arugula salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For date-night flair, slice each chicken breast diagonally and fan out over a pool of creamy garlic sauce. Hosting guests? Serve family-style on a big platter, sauced and sprinkled with parsley. You can also tuck pieces into a toasted bun with greens for a next-level chicken sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tuck any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the sauce separately for best texture — if possible, it helps keep the crust crispy!

Freezing

The chicken itself freezes beautifully: just wrap each cooled piece tightly in foil or plastic and freeze up to 2 months. For the sauce, let it cool fully, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven uncovered until hot and crispy again — about 10–15 minutes. Gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s gotten too thick, then pour over the chicken just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful and work great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

How do I make this gluten-free?

It’s easy to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce gluten-free: use your favorite GF breadcrumbs and swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the sauce. It’s just as divine!

What’s the best way to get an extra crispy crust?

Make sure your chicken is patted dry, thoroughly dredge in the egg and Parmesan mixture, and let the breaded pieces rest for 5–10 minutes before frying — that helps the coating really adhere!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can! Prepare the sauce up to two days ahead, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving and whisk in a splash of broth or cream if it’s thicker than desired.

What other cheeses can I use in the crust or sauce?

While Parmesan is classic, feel free to blend in a little Pecorino Romano in the crust, or add a sprinkle of mozzarella to the sauce for some extra melt and stretch.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, you’ll see why it’s a go-to for both cozy nights and entertaining friends. Creamy, crispy, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Give it a try soon and treat yourself (and everyone at your table) to a meal that’s sure to impress!

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