Name: Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce – Easy Dinner Idea
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / American
Ingredients: For the chicken:; Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally for thin cutlets); All-purpose flour; Eggs; Panko breadcrumbs; Grated Parmesan cheese; Garlic powder; Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper; Olive oil; For the garlic sauce:; Unsalted butter; Garlic, minced; All-purpose flour; Chicken broth; Heavy cream; Grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

rispy parmesan chicken with a rich garlic sauce is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing meals I like to make when I want something both indulgent and simple. The chicken comes out golden and crunchy, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious, savory touch. It’s a fantastic option for an easy weeknight dinner or when I want to impress without a ton of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers both texture and flavor. The chicken gets an irresistible crunch from the Parmesan and Panko coating, while the garlic sauce is velvety and packed with bold, comforting flavor. It’s also super versatile—I can pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a light salad, depending on what I’m in the mood for.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally for thin cutlets)
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

For the garlic sauce:

Unsalted butter
Garlic, minced
All-purpose flour
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

I begin by seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Then I prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
I dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip it in the egg, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. I set the chicken aside and keep it warm.
To make the sauce, I melt butter in the same skillet, add the garlic, and sauté it for about a minute. Then I stir in the flour to form a roux.
I slowly pour in the broth, whisking continuously, then stir in the cream and let it simmer until it thickens.
I mix in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let it warm through. I sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes, I add a bit of crushed red pepper to the sauce for heat. When I want a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the sauce. I’ve also made this gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy, and I reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop with a splash of cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, I bake the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s crispy and cooked through.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

I can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If I use milk, I add a bit of extra flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The crispy chicken and creamy sauce are usually a hit with kids. I just go easy on the garlic.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I like to prep the breaded chicken and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to cook. I also make the sauce ahead and reheat it gently just before serving.

What sides go best with this dish?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta. A side of garlic bread works great too for soaking up the sauce.

Conclusion

Crispy parmesan chicken with a rich garlic sauce is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that I always come back to. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Whether I’m cooking for family or treating myself, this dish never disappoints.