Introduction
There are some weeknights when you need a dinner that feels special but doesn’t require a marathon session in the kitchen. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is that meal. It hits all the high notes: the chicken is incredibly tender with a satisfyingly crisp Parmesan crust, and it’s smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream saucethat ties the whole dish together.
Forget those dry, bland chicken dinners—this recipe is full of flavor and texture, yet it’s simple enough to pull off in just about 35 minutes. It’s comfort food that elevates the ordinary, making it perfect for both a quick family dinner and a meal to impress guests. I’m going to show you exactly how to get that perfect golden crust and a sauce so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m Jason Griffith, and if there’s one thing I value in a recipe, it’s maximum flavor for minimum effort. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers.
- Speedy Comfort: From prep to plate, this meal is ready in 35 minutes, which is faster than most delivery times!
- The Texture Contrast: The crispy, salty Parmesan coating is the perfect foil for the juicy, tender chicken inside.
- The Sauce is Everything: The creamy garlic sauce is not just a condiment; it’s the star. It’s built right in the pan after the chicken is cooked, soaking up all those delicious browned bits (the fond) for an unbeatable depth of flavor. This technique means minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s universally loved. Kids, adults, and even picky eaters can’t resist this combination of crispy cheese and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
| Component | Quantity | Notes |
| Chicken | 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts | About 6-8 ounces each |
| For the Coating | 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese | Use finely grated, not shredded, for the best crust. |
| 1/2 cup breadcrumbs | Panko or standard breadcrumbs work well. | |
| 1 teaspoon garlic powder | ||
| 1 teaspoon paprika | Adds color and a subtle smoky note. | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste, for seasoning the coating. | |
| For Cooking | 2 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 2 tablespoons butter | Adds richness to the crust. | |
| For the Sauce | 4 cloves garlic, minced | Don’t skimp on the fresh garlic! |
| 1 cup heavy cream | ||
| 1/2 cup chicken broth | Low-sodium is best. | |
| 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese | For meltiness and extra body in the sauce. | |
| Garnish | Fresh parsley, chopped | For color and freshness. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Cuts: You can easily swap the breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are more forgiving and remain incredibly juicy; adjust the cooking time slightly (they may take a few minutes longer).
- Breading Booster: For an even thicker, crispier crust, lightly dust the chicken breasts in flour and dip them in an egg wash before coating them in the Parmesan mixture.
- Herb Power: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes sautéed with the garlic will give the creamy sauce a subtle, delightful kick.
- Broth Swap: If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water, but the broth adds a little more savoriness.
Steps for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
1. Prepare the Chicken and Coating
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally to create 8 thinner cutlets, or gently pound them to an even 3/4-inch thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat each chicken breast evenly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres firmly to all sides.
2. Cook the Parmesan Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add the butter.
- Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the crust is deeply golden brown, crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165∘F).
- Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor lives! Let it simmer for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
4. Finish and Serve
- Return the cooked Parmesan chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them.
- Simmer for just 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow it to absorb some of the sauce’s flavor.
- Garnish generously with fresh, chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Pound for Evenness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) is the secret to a perfectly cooked, juicy breast that doesn’t dry out before the crust browns.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Use medium-high heat for the crust. Wait until the oil is shimmering before adding the chicken, and avoid moving the chicken for the first 5 minutes. This allows the crust to set and become deeply golden and crispy.
- The Cheese Matters: Use finely grated Parmesan, not the shaved or coarsely shredded kind. The fine grate mixes better with the breadcrumbs and creates a cohesive, crispy crust instead of a clumpy mess.
- Deglaze is Key: That little bit of chicken broth added before the cream is crucial. It helps deglaze the pan, pulling all the flavor from the bottom into your sauce base.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This rich and creamy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up the incredible garlic sauce.
- Classic Pasta: Serve it over a bed of pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, similar to a traditional Italian dish like this Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- Simple Veggies: Steamed asparagus, green beans, or quick-sautéed spinach are fantastic, light companions.
- Starch Absorbers: Creamy mashed potatoes, white rice, or even crusty French bread are perfect for soaking up every drop of that garlic cream sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an un-oaked Chardonnay cuts through the richness of the cream sauce nicely. For a red, stick to a light, bright Pinot Noir.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This is an estimate based on the ingredients list, assuming 4 servings:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Kcal | 610 kcal |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
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Note: This is an approximate value and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating (Best Method): The best way to preserve the crust’s crispiness is to reheat the chicken breasts in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350∘F for 5-8 minutes. Reheat the remaining sauce gently on the stovetop and spoon it over the chicken right before serving.
- Reheating (Quick Method): You can microwave the chicken, but the crust will soften. Heat in 30-second increments until warm.
- Leftover Idea: Dice the leftover chicken and sauce and toss it with warm pasta for a quick lunch the next day.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll love these other comforting and crowd-pleasing dinners:
- If you’re looking for more fast ways to feed a family, try these Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
- For a hearty, flavor-packed dish, don’t miss this Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
- Need another classic Italian-inspired favorite? This Instant Pot Lasagna is a lifesaver on busy days.
- And for dessert, since you’re already feeling cozy, try this delicious Grasshopper Pie.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is more than just a dinner; it’s a guaranteed win. It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly delicious and satisfying. The pan-searing method is quick, the flavors are bold, and the final dish looks beautiful on the plate.
I hope you try this recipe this week. Let me know in the comments how your creamy garlic sauce turned out!
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