Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Joe Peacock

3 weeks ago

Some recipes instantly feel like home — cozy, comforting, and just a little luxurious.
The first time I made this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, it was one of those nights where I needed something hearty but special.
The crispy, golden crust, the tender juicy chicken, and the rich garlic cream sauce turned a simple dinner into a moment worth savoring.

It’s now a regular in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe is pure comfort food magic.

Key Benefits of Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Crispy, Golden Perfection: Light, crunchy Parmesan coating without deep frying.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: Infused with fresh garlic and a velvety texture.
Fast and Impressive: Ready in about 30 minutes, but feels restaurant-worthy.
Flexible: Pairs beautifully with pasta, veggies, potatoes, or salads.
Crowd-Favorite: Adults and kids alike will ask for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Full Ingredients List

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Boneless skinless chicken breasts	4 pieces	Pound to even thickness
Parmesan cheese (finely grated)	¾ cup	Use fresh Parmesan for best results
Panko breadcrumbs	¾ cup	Light, crisp texture
All-purpose flour	½ cup	For dredging
Eggs	2 large	Helps coating stick
Salt and pepper	To taste	Essential seasoning
Olive oil	3 tablespoons	For frying
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	For sauce base
Garlic cloves (minced)	4 cloves	Rich garlic flavor
Heavy cream	1 cup	Creamy sauce base
Chicken broth	½ cup	Adds savory depth
Fresh parsley (chopped)	For garnish	Bright finish

Ingredient Tip:
Fresh Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded varieties.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper.
Pound gently to an even ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Set up three shallow bowls:
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- Parmesan and panko mixed together
Dredge each chicken breast:
- First in flour (shake off excess)
- Then dip in egg
- Finally coat thoroughly in Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, add chicken (work in batches if needed).
Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.

Cooking Tip:
Resist moving the chicken around while cooking — let it crisp up naturally!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet:
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add chicken broth, scraping up brown bits for extra flavor.
Stir in heavy cream.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Plate the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken.
Spoon generous amounts of creamy garlic sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe Works

Crispy Coating: Panko and Parmesan deliver maximum crunch without heavy frying.
Juicy Chicken: Even thickness ensures tender, evenly cooked meat.
Flavor Explosion: Nutty Parmesan + garlic cream sauce = incredible flavor balance.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find, yet the results feel gourmet.

Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and a classic complement.
Buttered Pasta: Simple spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in butter and Parmesan.
Steamed Broccoli: Light and crisp to balance the richness.
Roasted Asparagus: Fresh, savory contrast.
Arugula Salad: Toss with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery, bright side.

Make It a Full Meal

Starter: Simple tomato basil soup or Caesar salad.
Main Course: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Dessert: Lemon bars, berry sorbet, or chocolate mousse.

Hosting Tip:
This dish looks beautiful when served family-style on a large platter!

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Add Fresh Herbs to the Breading

Mix chopped thyme, basil, or rosemary into the Parmesan-panko coating.

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for subtle heat.

Lighten the Sauce

Swap half the heavy cream for half-and-half or use evaporated milk for a lighter texture.

Flavor Tip:
A squeeze of lemon over the finished chicken adds brightness that cuts through the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Reheat sauce separately over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Freezing

Bread uncooked chicken and freeze between parchment sheets.
Cook directly from frozen, adding extra time, or thaw overnight before cooking.

Freezing Tip:
Freeze sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	620
Protein	45g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	40g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g

(Values vary based on ingredient brands and exact serving sizes.)

FAQs About Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Can I bake the Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the sauce?

You can substitute half-and-half or even full-fat milk for a lighter, but still creamy, sauce.

How do I keep the breading from falling off during cooking?

Firmly press the Parmesan-panko coating onto the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before frying.

Can I prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it uncooked. Cook fresh for the crispiest texture and freshest sauce.

What sides go best with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are all excellent pairings.

Conclusion

There’s something about a crispy golden crust paired with rich, creamy garlic sauce that feels instantly satisfying.
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce delivers everything you want from a comforting, impressive, yet easy-to-make dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a truly great meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
From the first bite of crunchy Parmesan coating to the last swipe of creamy garlic sauce, it’s pure comfort food bliss.

Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites too!