If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping dinner that’s deceivingly simple yet bursting with flavor, look no further than Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This irresistible dish features juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a crispy Parmesan-panko crust, all smothered in a luxurious, velvety garlic sauce that will make you want to lick the plate clean. It’s a meal that bridges comfort food and elegant dining, making any night feel just a little extra special. Once you savor that first creamy, golden forkful, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your kitchen repertoire!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish comes from a handful of honest, familiar pantry staples. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing flavor, texture, or a burst of freshness. Here’s what you’ll need for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for uniform cooking and easy preparation.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star of the show—use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give that unbeatable crunch to the chicken coating.
Italian Seasoning: A quick way to add a hint of herbs to both the flavor and aroma.
Salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors of the whole dish.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a slight kick and depth.
Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the coating and adds a subtle, fruity base.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to both the chicken crust and creamy garlic sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for that signature sauce flavor that brings everything together.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to thicken your dreamy, silky sauce.
Chicken Broth: Brings moisture and a punch of savoriness to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Provides the decadent, velvety texture we all crave in a cream sauce.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end brightens the entire plate.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by flattening your chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Not only does this speed up cooking, but it also ensures every bite is juicy and tender, with no uneven, chewy spots.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in this crave-worthy mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to all sides. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melds with the breadcrumbs for an unbeatable crust.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add your coated chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden crust and cooked-through centers—no dry chicken allowed!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

With the chicken resting and happy, melt the butter in the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant. This sets the stage for the sauce. Add flour, and whisk for a minute so your sauce will be smooth, then slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking away any lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and more Parmesan, simmering for a few minutes until the mixture becomes lush and creamy. A final seasoning of salt and pepper to taste, and your sauce is ready to make everything better.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Bring your cooked chicken back to the skillet, nestling it right into that pool of creamy garlic goodness, or simply pour the sauce over plated chicken. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top not only adds color but also brings a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the sauce. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few twists of black pepper can really make your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce shine.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something to soak up that luscious sauce! Creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus are all perfect companions, ensuring nothing goes to waste and every bit of sauce is savored.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving dinner guests, try slicing the chicken on a bias and fanning the pieces out on a platter for restaurant-worthy flair, topped with the creamy garlic sauce. You can even tuck a chicken breast onto a fluffy bed of herbed rice or, for a weeknight twist, layer leftovers into a hearty sandwich the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store both the chicken and sauce in airtight containers. If possible, keep the sauce on the side until reheating so the chicken stays crispy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, freeze the sauce separately—cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing, but a slow reheat and a good whisk will bring it back to life.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil so it doesn’t dry out, or in a skillet over medium heat for a crispier texture. Warm the sauce gently in a saucepan, whisking occasionally, then add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. Pour sauce over reheated chicken just before serving for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will work beautifully and may even be juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs can be a bit thicker.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version of Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, simply swap in gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce. You’ll get all the flavor with none of the gluten!

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. The sauce is best made fresh or just before serving for maximum creaminess.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter sauce, half-and-half is a great alternative. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still yield a lovely, creamy garlic sauce. Avoid milk, which is too thin for the best result.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is ready when it turns golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just slice into the thickest part—there should be no pink left and the juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting yet elegant, you simply can’t go wrong with Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This dish is surprisingly easy and always wows, whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try—you’ll soon be sharing the recipe with your own friends and family!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and juicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken served with a luscious Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful main course that’s quick and easy to prepare. This flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the creamy garlic sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts and coat with a mixture of Parmesan, panko, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Sear the coated chicken in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through.
Make the garlic sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add flour, whisk in broth and cream, then simmer with Parmesan until thickened.
Finish the dish: Return chicken to the skillet, pour sauce over it, garnish with parsley, and serve.