If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines the crispy, cheesy crust of perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious, velvety garlic sauce that coats each bite in rich flavor. It’s one of those timeless dishes that bring comfort and elegance together, impressing your family or guests effortlessly. From the golden crust to the creamy drizzle, every element speaks deliciousness and makes for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of taste and texture. Each one plays a vital role, whether adding crunch, depth, or that irresistible creamy finish.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and coating.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides that signature nutty, salty crust that’s utterly addictive.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Adds an airy, crispy texture that perfectly complements the cheese.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the coating with a subtle but aromatic touch.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbal note balancing the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning all components just right.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and creates a base layer.
- Eggs: The binding agent to hold the cheese and breadcrumbs in place.
- Olive oil and butter: The perfect combo for frying that golden crust evenly.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic for the sauce intensifies the flavor.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature smooth and rich texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess in the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Coating Mix
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready to give your chicken that final perfect cook. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or use a light spray of cooking oil for an easy release. In a shallow dish, mix together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mouthwatering mix will form the delicious crust.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
To get the chicken beautifully coated, use three shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture from Step 1. Don’t forget to season the flour with salt and pepper to ensure flavor in every bite. This step is key to achieving that irresistible crispy crust you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken breast through the dredging station, first coating in flour, then dipping in egg, and finally pressing firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. Make sure the chicken is well covered so the crust stays intact throughout cooking. This careful layering creates the perfect texture combination in the finished dish.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add your coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop. This first sear locks in juices and starts that beautiful crust you’ll love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This step finishes cooking the chicken inside while maintaining that perfect crispy Parmesan shell outside. Patience here ensures juicy, tender chicken every time.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about one minute, but don’t let it brown. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, then toss in red pepper flakes if you want a little warmth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes as the sauce gently thickens. Season it with salt and pepper to taste for a luscious finish.
Step 7: Combine and Garnish
Once your chicken is done baking, spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over each breast. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh note that balances the richness beautifully. Now your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is ready to wow at the dinner table!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the simple but effective finishing touch. It adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herbal brightness that complements the richness of the Parmesan crust and creamy sauce. Optionally, a tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can lift the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Try roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for contrast. Creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy risotto can soak up the garlic sauce beautifully, making every morsel rich and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice the chicken and fan it beautifully on plates, ladling sauce over each piece. Arrange on a bed of herbed rice or alongside a fresh salad with colorful grape tomatoes and arugula. For a casual meal, serve in a bowl with pasta or crispy roasted potatoes for an inviting, hearty experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate will help maintain the crust’s texture when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce in a separate container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to help keep the crust crispy, adding the sauce warmed gently on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for the crust?
While Parmesan is classic for its flavor and texture, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different twist. Just make sure the cheese is finely grated to adhere properly to the chicken.
Is it necessary to use both olive oil and butter?
Using both gives you the best of both worlds—the olive oil raises the smoke point while butter adds rich flavor and helps with browning. You can use one or the other if needed, but the combination is what makes the crust perfect.
What can I substitute heavy cream with in the garlic sauce?
If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, which adds a subtle sweetness alongside the garlic.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Proper searing and baking at the correct temperature are key. Also, avoid overbaking—checking that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) ensures it’s cooked through but still moist inside.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Many stores carry almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs which work well for maintaining the crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet tried this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe, now is the perfect time. It’s a dish that feels special without fuss, combining crisp textures and luscious sauce in every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend treat, it promises comfort, flavor, and smiles all around the table. Get ready to make this one a favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. The chicken is pan-seared to a golden brown, then finished in the oven for juicy perfection, and topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley, this meal is perfect for dinner and offers a comforting blend of textures and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors uniformly.
- Season Flour: In another shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Beat Eggs: In a third shallow dish, beat the two large eggs until they are well combined and smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken breast firmly into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Repeat this process for all pieces.
- Pan-Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the browned chicken directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Make Garlic Sauce: Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over each piece, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated for a consistent crispy crust.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken to another dish before baking.
- Red pepper flakes in the sauce add a nice subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to prevent under or overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated carefully to retain crispiness and flavor.
