I’m excited to share this Parmesan‑crusted chicken recipe topped with a luscious creamy garlic sauce—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and dripping with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the crispy Parmesan crust gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the creamy garlic sauce feels indulgent yet easy. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for company—plus, I can customize the seasoning to my taste anytime.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- All-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (if using egg dredge)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs (optional, like panko, for extra crunch)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Butter and/or olive oil for cooking
- Heavy cream
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Chicken broth or dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
directions
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½–1″) so they cook uniformly.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder (and onion powder or Italian seasoning, if using).
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, another with beaten eggs (if using), and a third with Parmesan, breadcrumbs (if using), and seasonings.
- Dredge the chicken: flour → egg → Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so it adheres.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add butter or oil and cook the chicken 4–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt more butter, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, then deglaze with chicken broth or wine if using.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over it and let it warm through for another minute. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 2–4, depending on portion size
- Prep time: ~15 minutes
- Cook time: ~25 minutes
- Total time: ~40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy twist: I add red pepper flakes to the coating or sauce for heat.
- Low-carb/Keto: I skip breadcrumbs and use only Parmesan for coating.
- Herb enhanced: I mix in fresh parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning into the sauce or breadcrumb mix.
- Other proteins: I sometimes use turkey cutlets; adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Lighter sauce: I replace heavy cream with half-and-half when I want a lighter texture.
storage/reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or an air fryer to restore crispiness. I avoid the microwave to keep the crust from going soggy.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes—I preheat the oven to 400°F, place breaded chicken on a rack over a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for about 18–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I bread the chicken earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and cook it just before serving. The sauce is best made fresh.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes—I freeze just the cooked chicken (without sauce) in airtight bags for up to 2 months. I reheat it in the oven from frozen at 375°F until hot and crisp. The sauce doesn’t freeze well.
What are good side dishes?
I usually serve this with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This Parmesan-crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is my go-to when I want a restaurant-quality meal that’s still easy to make. It delivers cheesy crunch, rich sauce, and endless versatility. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (optional, for dredging)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, like panko)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2–4 tbsp butter and/or olive oil for cooking
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
Instructions
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½–1″).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder or Italian seasoning.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs (if using), and one with Parmesan, breadcrumbs (if using), and seasonings.
- Dredge chicken: flour → egg → Parmesan mixture, pressing gently.
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Deglaze with broth or wine if using.
- Add heavy cream and more Parmesan if desired. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over, and heat for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
- Use red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Skip breadcrumbs for a keto version.
- Fresh herbs can enhance flavor.
- Other proteins like turkey.
- For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 155mg