Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that practically guarantees satisfied smiles all around the table, you need to try Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce. Imagine irresistibly juicy chicken wrapped in a crispy, golden, cheesy crust and nestled under a silky, rich garlic sauce—this is comfort food at its finest! It’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily in your own kitchen, making even an ordinary weeknight feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of staple ingredients come together to create pure magic in this dish. Each one is essential, contributing a crucial flavor, texture, or finishing touch that takes Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce to the next level.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for a hearty main and get wonderfully juicy inside the crust.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds bold, nutty flavor and gives that signature savory crust.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a light, extra-crispy texture that’s irresistible.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder deepens the flavor in the crunchy coating.
- Salt: Enhances every other flavor and balances the richness.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth in both the crust and sauce.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the perfect glue so the Parm-panko coating sticks like a dream.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing, it brings a touch of richness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Paired with olive oil for searing, it adds gorgeous flavor and color.
- Garlic (for sauce): Fresh minced garlic forms the backbone of that luscious, creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious thickness and silky feel.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth to the creamy garlic sauce without making it too heavy.
- More Parmesan Cheese (for sauce): Melts right into the sauce, lending a wonderful, salty creaminess.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings that classic herbaceous aroma and a touch of color to the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of green at the end.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Coating
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit—this step ensures a perfect finish later. While it heats, set up your coating station: in a shallow dish, whisk together the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat your eggs. Dredge each chicken breast in the eggs to ensure maximum crunch and then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture. Press the coating on firmly; this creates that beautiful, restaurant-level crust.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat up the olive oil with butter over medium heat. Once your pan is shimmering (but not smoking), nestle the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Your kitchen will already be smelling incredible! The goal is to get a deep golden brown color and a crispy crust—don’t rush this step, as it makes all the difference.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet straight into your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures every bite is juicy, not dry. The hands-off baking time also gives you the perfect window to turn your attention to the creamy garlic sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While your Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce finishes in the oven, start the sauce on the stovetop. In a saucepan, melt a bit of butter and gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—keep it on low heat to avoid burning. Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, followed by grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and season with a touch of salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Finish and Plate
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Place a juicy chicken breast on each plate and spoon over a lavish amount of the creamy garlic sauce. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Get ready for a dish that looks as sensational as it tastes!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A dish like this shines with just a touch of greenery! I love to finish Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce with a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley for freshness and a final dusting of extra grated Parmesan. If you want a citrusy note, add a light zesting of lemon peel right before serving.
Side Dishes
This main is truly versatile when it comes to sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up every drop of sauce, buttery noodles or pasta make it extra comforting, and roasted or steamed vegetables (like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli) add color and balance to the plate. You really can’t go wrong—it all depends on what you’re craving!
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, try slicing the chicken and fanning the pieces over a bed of pasta, then topping with the sauce and parsley. Or, layer onto toasted ciabatta slices for a chic open-faced sandwich, or serve over a crisp salad for a lighter but stunning option. The creamy garlic sauce travels well—just drizzle it generously for maximum impact!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce stores beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the coating crisp, you may want to store the sauce separately, then combine when reheating.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, cool the chicken completely and wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The sauce can also be frozen in a separate airtight container. For best results, thaw both overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken on a baking rack in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through (about 10 to 15 minutes), which will help the crust crisp up again. Gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick. Pour the warm sauce over the hot chicken just before serving for that fresh-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs. The results will be just as crispy and delicious.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in the sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half is a great substitute, or even whole milk in a pinch. The sauce won’t be quite as thick, but it will still be rich and flavorful.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have one, make a small cut in the thickest part; if the juices run clear and there’s no pink, you’re good to go.
Can I prep Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead of time?
You can get a head start by breading the chicken earlier in the day and storing it, covered, in the fridge until dinnertime. The sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated when ready to serve.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Parmigiano-Reggiano offers the best flavor, but you can mix in some Asiago or Pecorino Romano for extra depth. Avoid soft cheeses, as they won’t give that classic crust or rich sauce texture.
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—so simple, so satisfying, and always a crowd favorite! Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or to impress dinner guests, it delivers big flavor without the fuss. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do and feel inspired to make it your own special go-to comfort meal. Enjoy every creamy, crispy bite!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious combination of crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts served with a velvety, garlicky cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the chicken: In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sear chicken until golden brown. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, then add cream, broth, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Plate chicken, top with sauce, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan for best results.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 700 milligrams
- Fat: 32 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 40 grams
- Cholesterol: 135 milligrams
